Harper Government takes action to address sexual violence in Newfoundland and Labrador

Minister Leitch announces support for new project to improve services for victims

ST. JOHN'S, Sept. 12, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada funding for a new project to address sexual violence against women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis Prevention Centre will receive $144,578 for its two-year project to improve services for female victims of sexual violence by building collaboration between service providers in the Avalon region of Newfoundland. The project will see the creation of Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Networks in communities across the region, which will allow service providers to share promising practices for responding to sexual violence.

This project is being funded under Status of Women Canada's Call for Proposals entitled Cyber and Sexual Violence: Helping Communities Respond.

Quick Facts

• The Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis Prevention Centre will receive $144,578 for this two-year project.
• Since 2007, the Government of Canada has delivered more than $70 million through the Women's Program at Status of Women Canada for projects to prevent violence against women and girls.
• Through Status of Women Canada, federal funding of community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 720 projects across Canada.

Quotes

"Our Government is taking concrete actions to protect women and girls from all forms of violence, including sexual violence. We are proud to be working with organizations across the country on community-based projects, like this one, which will improve services for women who have experienced this form of violence."

The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"Our goal is to provide the best support possible to women and girls who have experienced sexual violence. This Government of Canada funding will allow us to improve our services by sharing best practices between service providers and coordinating our response to sexual violence. This project fills a real need in this community."

Nicole Kieley
Executive Director
Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre

Related Products

• Cyber and Sexual Violence: Helping Communities Respond

Additional Links

• Information About Status of Women Canada at women.gc.ca

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

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada

For media inquiries only: Andrew McGrath, Acting 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: Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, Tel: [phone]