Government of Canada Supports Action in London to End Violence Against Women and Girls

LONDON, ON, July 4, 2013 /CNW/ - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support to the Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration for a project in London to address violence against women and girls committed in the name of so-called "honour".

"Our Government is committed to protecting women and girls from all forms of violence, and holding offenders accountable for their actions," said Minister Ambrose. "That is why we are supporting projects like this that address acts of violence committed in the name of so-called "honour" across Canada."

The Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration in London is receiving $193,400 for a 24-month project to create a coordinated community response for women and girls from various ethno-cultural communities at risk of, or experiencing violence committed in the name of so-called "honour". Community stakeholders will assist in determining strengths and gaps in existing policies and services at the community level.

"The Muslim Resource Centre for Social Support and Integration is committed to ending all forms of violence against women and girls," said Mr. Mohammed Boabaid, Executive Director of the organization. "We are very pleased to partner with Status of Women Canada to create a more effective response to gender-based violence in our community."

The Government of Canada has made its position clear on the topic of violence committed in the name of so-called "honour" by condemning the practice in the new Citizenship Guide, and being the first to provide funding specifically for immigrant women's organizations across the country to address this highly complex issue.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, federal support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 600 projects across Canada.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:              
Michael Bolkenius
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819-997-5421

For all other inquiries, contact:
Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications
and Public Affairs
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

Ce texte est également disponible en français.

For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.