OTTAWA, March 6, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women, along with Anita Vandenbeld, Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean announced that Planned Parenthood Ottawa is receiving $285,000 for a three-year project to improve services for women in the Ottawa area who are experiencing gender-based violence, in particular, violence related to sexual and reproductive coercion.
This project will build on the Government of Canada's current supports for women by improving collaboration among key local stakeholders, including a range of service providers that address violence against women and women's health issues.
The project will be particularly focused on addressing issues of sexual and reproductive coercion. The goal is to develop and implement an interagency protocol and set of guidelines to both identify, and respond to, this form of violence, thereby helping women ensure control over their sexual and reproductive health. A community of practice will be established to ensure an ongoing knowledge-exchange among the service providers which will help build evidence-based practices. The project will also include the development of a national strategy to disseminate information, materials, and support within targeted communities across Canada. This project, and the national strategy, will help to support women's right to choose what is best for their sexual and reproductive health.
Quotes
"Gender-based violence is a reality that far too many women in our communities still face. That's why the Government of Canada is taking this action to improve services for women experiencing violence in the Ottawa area, particularly coercion related to their sexual and reproductive health and rights. It is part of our multifaceted approach to preventing all forms of violence against women and girls."
Maryam Monsef
Minister of Status of Women
"Acts of violence victimize not just the women involved, but also their families and the communities in which they live. That's why ending violence against women and girls here in Ottawa and across the country is a priority for the Government of Canada. This includes working to end sexual or reproductive coercion in relationships which is the focus today"
Anita Vandenbeld
Member of Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean
"We welcome the opportunity to partner with the Government of Canada to improve support for those experiencing violence, including coercion, around sexual and reproductive health and rights. We will be collaborating with local stakeholders to better recognize this form of gender-based violence, and to make sure there is a full range of options available to reduce its lifelong impact on survivors."
Catherine Macnab
Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Ottawa
Quick Facts
- Planned Parenthood Ottawa is receiving $285,000 for a three-year project to improve services for women in the Ottawa area who have experienced violence related to sexual and reproductive coercion.
- The Government of Canada is taking a multifaceted approach to reduce and prevent violence against women and girls. This includes the development of a Federal Strategy to Address Gender-based Violence.
- Reproductive and sexual coercion involves behavior intended to maintain power and control in a relationship. This includes but is not limited to behaviors such as: explicit attempts to impregnate a partner against her will, coercing a partner into unprotected sex, interfering with contraceptive methods, imposing unhealthy sexual practices, or controlling the outcome of a pregnancy.
For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.
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SOURCE Status of Women Canada
Inquiries: Alex Wellstead, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-618-0314; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6810
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