Harper Government Supports Women and Girls in London, Ontario Who Are Victims of Violence

LONDON, ON, Nov. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Ms. Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada funding for the African Community Council that will help support women and girls who are victims of violence.

"We are working with organizations across the country to end violence against women and girls and to offset the effects of violence within families and throughout our communities," said Susan Truppe. "This project will reduce gender-based violence making London safer for everyone."

"Our Government is committed to protecting women and girls from all forms of violence, and holding offenders accountable for their actions," said Minister Leitch. "We are helping victims of violence receive the support they need in their communities."

The African Community Council in London is receiving $97,454 for a project to identify and address the barriers that African women and girls, who have been victims of violence, face in accessing programs and services. A multi-agency strategy will be developed to address these barriers and enhance the availability of appropriate resources.

"The African Community Council is very pleased to collaborate with Status of Women Canada to create a more effective response to gender-based violence in our community," said Mr. Deeq Abdi, Executive Director of the organization. "We want to do all we can to support women and girls who are victims of violence in London."

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. Since 2007, the Harper Government has approved more than $62 million in funding through Status of Women Canada for projects to end violence against women and girls.

Later this month, Canadians will recognize 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence, and will mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, 2013, as well as Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6, 2013.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only:

Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C.,
O. Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of
Status of Women
Tel: [phone]

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.