BATTERED WOMEN'S AWARENESS WEEK PROCLAIMED NOVEMBER 30 DECEMBER 6

Released on November 27, 1998

Minister responsible for the Status of Women Joanne Crofford today

announced 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