NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Released on December 3, 2004

Each year on December 6th Canadians mourn the deaths of 14 female engineering students murdered at Montreal's l'École Polytechnique in 1989, and hold events to draw attention to the many women who live daily under the threat of violence, who have died through acts of violence, and who have survived violent situations.

Established by Parliament in 1991, December 6th is recognized as the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

"Violence against women affects everyone, and each of us must do our part to end it," Minister responsible for the Status of Women Deb Higgins said. "Effective partnerships are the key to creating a society where families are free from violence and abuse. The Saskatchewan Government is committed to working with communities and families to address this issue, and will use the Action Plan for Saskatchewan Women as one tool to guide future initiatives."

According to The Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, approximately one-quarter of all violent crimes in Canada centre on family violence, with 60 per cent of those crimes involving a current or former spouse. Of particular concern is the incidence of spousal violence among young females. Eighty per cent of the victims of spousal violence are female, with the highest incidence among females aged 25 to 34. Furthermore, Aboriginal women are three times more likely than non-Aboriginal women to experience spousal abuse.

The provincial government provides funding for several programs to address violence against women, such as women's shelters to provide emergency safe housing, treatment programs for batterers, and sexual assault counselors, outreach programs and victims' services.

"We must all make it our goal to work toward a violence-free society," Higgins said. "Together, we can make good things happen."

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For More Information, Contact:

Corinne Bokitch Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-7423