Today, the Honourable Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced $550,000 in funding to Queen’s University to develop, evaluate and deliver evidence-based, accessible, interactive online training modules on gender-based violence and prevention.

“We are working across government to support the safety and mental health of everyone living in Canada, especially children and youth. By supporting Queen’s University as they develop gender-based violence prevention training models, we can ensure educators across Canada have the training and tools necessary to help prevent and address violence in schools. This is an important part of our work to foster safer and more inclusive environments for children, families, and their communities.”

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

“Youth who experience gender-based violence are more likely to report physical and mental health issues and are at continued risk for being victimized by other forms of violence. Research indicates that teachers feel a strong sense of responsibility to respond to gender-based violence, but they need additional training, resources, and practices to address it. This funding will enable the development of evidence-based resources for educators to create safe, caring, and respectful classrooms and schools.” 

Wendy Craig, PhD., FRSC, O.C., O.Ont
Professor and Co-Scientific Director of PREVNet

• The consequences of family violence and gender-based violence can include short and long-term mental and physical health effects as well as social and economic costs. These can include: behavioural problems in children; drug and alcohol use and attempted suicide in teens. 

• Through the federal Gender-Based Violence Strategy, the Government of Canada has invested over $800 million, with $44 million per year ongoing. Additionally, Budget 2022 committed $539.3 million over five years (2022-2023 to 2026-2027), to support the implementation of the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence. Launched in November 2022 by the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers responsible for the Status of Women, the National Action Plan sets a framework to have a Canada free of gender-based violence.

• Individuals can access the Wellness Together Canada portal, or call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 (adults) or 686868 (youth), for free access to educational content, self-guided therapy, moderated peer-to-peer support, and one-to-one counselling with qualified health professionals.

• The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence run from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, until December 10, Human Rights Day. This year, we encourage all to Listen. Learn. Act. and recognize the urgency and importance of putting an end to the violence that affects far too many people in our society. 

Associated links

• Stop Family Violence
• Preventing Gender-Based Violence Investment

Alexander Fernandes 
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks 
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health 
613-290-0318

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