Minister Pam Parsons Proclaims September 15-21 Sexual Violence Awareness Week
Press Release
The Honourable Pam Parsons, Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality, has proclaimed September 15-21, 2024, as Sexual Violence Awareness Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Sexual Violence Awareness Week, observed annually in this province for the past 25 years, is an opportunity to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. This year’s activities emphasize the importance of reconnecting, fostering self-awareness, and rebuilding connections within communities, along with the 40th annual Take Back the Night march on September 20.
The Provincial Government works closely with community partners and violence prevention advocates, including End Sexual Violence NL, to reduce all forms of violence, abuse and neglect. End Sexual Violence NL is a non-profit, community-based, charitable organization that supports individuals of all genders who have been impacted by sexual violence.
In 2023, the Provincial Government signed a historic bilateral agreement with the Federal Government to invest nearly $13.6 million in new funding over four years to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence in this province. This plan is a concrete step towards fulfilling a long-standing commitment of federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together for a country free of gender-based violence that supports victims, survivors and their families.
By investing in violence prevention, the Provincial Government is equipping communities with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize, prevent and address gender-based violence. This approach is vital in breaking the cycles of violence and creating cultures of respect and understanding.
Funding from the National Action Plan has already resulted in substantial investments throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to increase capacity, provincial outreach and service delivery to address gender-based violence, in partnership with community stakeholders, such as women’s centres, violence prevention organizations, Friendship Centres, and newcomer organizations.
The Public Legal Information Association of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Journey Project has received over $250,000 to help increase access to trauma-informed legal supports for survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence in marginalized populations, with a particular focus on Indigenous and newcomer communities. This funding is also being used to translate legal information materials into dialects of Innu-Aimun, Inuktitut, Arabic, Dari and Ukrainian.
Since December 2023, over $400,000 has been provided to organizations such as Status of Women Councils, violence prevention groups, the Multicultural Women’s Organization of Newfoundland and Labrador, Thrive and Seniors NL, to carry out important violence prevention work in the areas of outreach, education and awareness.
The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council has received over $100,000 to coordinate and address existing challenges and obstacles in the areas of culture, health and wellness, justice, and human security, which impact Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people.
Quadrangle NL, a community of individuals working together to improve the health and well-being of 2SLGBTQQIA+ people, received $200,000 in 2023-24 to enhance its violence prevention efforts.
To learn more about Sexual Violence Awareness Week and upcoming events, visit End Sexual Violence NL on www.facebook.com/EndSV.
Quotes
“Sexual violence impacts individuals, families and communities, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that survivors feel heard, supported and empowered to seek justice. We must continue to raise awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and promote consent and respect in all relationships. I encourage everyone to take the time to educate themselves, speak out against sexual violence, and advocate for change in our communities.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“Sexual violence continues to be a pervasive issue throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and globally. This year’s Sexual Violence Awareness week theme is ‘Reconnecting’, and highlights the importance of re-establishing bonds within communities, and creating supportive environments where survivors can find strength and solidarity. We encourage everyone to participate in the week’s events to collectively work towards a future where everyone feels safe, respected, and understood.”
Mary Walsh
Executive Director, End Sexual Violence NL
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