Released on November 27, 1998
Minister responsible for the Status of Women Joanne Crofford todayannounced that November 30 to December 6 has been proclaimed Battered
Women's Awareness Week in Saskatchewan.
"The Provincial Association of Transition Houses of Saskatchewan
annually requests the proclamation to raise awareness about the issue
of violence against women," Crofford said. "Violence and abuse are
unacceptable. Government, organizations and individuals are all
concerned about violence in our families we cannot work on this
issue alone. We are all responsible for ending violence."
Virginia Fisher, Co-ordinator of the Provincial Association of
Transition Houses of Saskatchewan (PATHS), noted that statistics
indicate one in four Saskatchewan women has experienced physical or
sexual abuse at the hands of a current or former partner. "Many women
and young girls experience violence at the hands of someone they love.
Aboriginal women and women with disabilities are disproportionately at
risk. And for rural women and immigrant women there are particular
geographic and language barriers."
"We are working towards a healthy future for families," Social
Services Minister Harry Van Mulligan said. "Saskatchewan Social
Services will continue to partner with the community on this issue,
through such initiatives as funding to sexual assault and transition
houses and funding to projects through the Child Action Plan and
Prevention and Support grants."
"Safe communities, through healthy and violence-free families is
a top priority of this government," Justice Minister John Nilson
said. "We will continue to work with communities, families and
individuals to foster family relationships that are free of
violence and abuse through legislation such as The Victims of
Domestic Violence Act and funding to help Aboriginal
organizations offer a holistic approach to preventing violence in
families."
"Violence is a complex issue and requires a multi-faceted
approach," Health Minister Pat Atkinson said. "These solutions
range from education and prevention, to maintenance of services.
Saskatchewan Health, through counselling and mental health
programs such as Alternatives to Violence, continues to address
this issue."
"I commend women's and community groups who have worked very hard
to address violence," Crofford said. "We all benefit from a
reduction in violence. Equality for women cannot occur, and
children cannot thrive, in violent environments. Battered
Women's Awareness Week offers an opportunity to reflect on the
lives lost and the women affected by violence. I strongly
encourage individuals to get involved in local events."
"It is appropriate that the week ends on December 6th, which is
the National Day of Action and Remembrance on Violence Against
Women," Fisher said. "On December 6, 1989, fourteen young women
were murdered at Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal. Vigils will be
organized in centres in Saskatchewan participation by the
community is welcome."
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For more information contact:
Neena Saxena
Women's Secretariat
Regina
Phone: (306)787-7012
Virginia Fisher
Provincial Association of
Transition Houses of
Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: (306)978-6654