International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Press Release

November 25, 2014

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued by Premier Brian Gallant, who is also the minister responsible for women’s equality, in recognition of Nov. 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women:

Violence against women is a societal issue that impacts individuals, children, families, the workplace and our communities. It is a violation of human rights.

According to the United Nations, up to 70 per cent of women experience violence in their lifetime with the vast majority of cases going unreported, leaving survivors of violence wounded, invisible and suffering in silence.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women marks a day for New Brunswickers to recognize the violence that exists in our communities and to increase awareness of the problem.

Nov. 25 also marks the beginning of the 16 days of activism against gender violence.  This international campaign raises awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, regional, national, and international level. The campaign concludes on Dec. 10 with Human Rights Day, a day to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Violence against women is preventable, which is why the Women’s Equality Branch is proud to support initiatives that provide women with much-needed services:

• Domestic violence outreach services;
• Concurrent Group Program for children exposed to violence and their mothers;
• Second-stage housing;
• Regional Family violence networks;
• Community Action Fund;
• Cyber-safe girl initiative;
• Provincial Strategy on Sexual Assault Services; and
• Strategic Framework to End Violence against Wabanaki Women in New Brunswick

The Women’s Equality Branch is working with other government agencies on important files, including: engaging men and boys in addressing this serious societal problem; reducing crime and victimization, specifically domestic intimate partner violence; delivering training to front-line intervenors on risk assessment  tools; rolling out the revised Woman Victims of Abuse Protocols across New Brunswick; and implementing gender-based analysis.

As long as violence against women and girls is a reality in our society, we will continue our work to improve lives by building a stronger and safer New Brunswick where families can live free from violence and abuse.

LINK:

• Women’s Equality

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