Government of Canada Co-Hosts Roundtable with Health Professionals on Family Violence and Child Abuse

Minister Ambrose announces "Stop Family Violence", an online resource for health professionals and the public

WINNIPEG, Dec. 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Today, Minister of Health Rona Ambrose co-hosted a roundtable at the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP) on family violence and child abuse with the CCCP's Executive Director Lianna McDonald.

While speaking with the gathering of health professionals, Minister Ambrose emphasized that family violence is an important public health issue, and one that the Government is committed to addressing.

During the event, the Minister announced that the Public Health Agency of Canada has launched "Stop Family Violence", a new web-based source of current information for health professionals and the public.  

The impacts of violence and abuse are devastating to children, families and communities. Victims may be left with serious physical and mental health problems including substance abuse, mental illness, suicidal behaviours, and chronic illnesses such as heart disease.

Roundtable participants discussed the roles that health professionals play in prevention and in supporting victims, and reaffirmed their commitment to work across sectors on this issue.

Quick Facts

• Family violence refers to a range of abusive behaviours that occur within relationships, including physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse, as well as neglect. Domestic violence and child abuse are two predominant forms of family violence.
• Risk factors for family violence include exposure to violence as a child, mental health and substance use problems, community members being unwilling to speak out about violence, poverty and lack of social networks.
• In 2011, family violence accounted for approximately 25% of all violent crimes reported to police. Given that many incidents go unreported, this figure understates the burden of family violence.
• In 2009, the estimated total economic impact of spousal violence in Canada was $7.4 billion. This figure includes costs to the justice system and the costs borne by victims and their family members.

Quotes

"Family violence is a public health issue. It has serious and long lasting consequences for individuals, families and society. Addressing the health impacts of family violence requires action at all levels, and health professionals play a critical role."
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

"We applaud the Government of Canada and specifically Minister Ambrose's leadership in tackling the growing problem of child abuse and welcome the opportunity to bring together such a committed and distinguished group of experts." 
Lianna McDonald
Executive Director
Canadian Centre for Child Protection

Associated Links
Stop Family Violence

SOURCE: Public Health Agency of Canada

Michael Bolkenius, Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Federal Minister of Health, [phone]; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, [phone]

Related Links

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca