NATIONAL DAY OF REMEMBRANCE AND ACTION ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Released on December 6, 2005

Since 1991, Canadians have gathered on Dec. 6th to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

"On this day in 1989, 14 female engineering students were murdered simply for entering a traditionally male field of study," Minister responsible for the Status of Women Deb Higgins said. "December 6th is an excellent opportunity for community groups to draw attention to violence in all its forms and to recognize the many women who live in fear or who have died because of violence."

The Government of Saskatchewan is committed to ending violence against women, and is working with communities to develop protection and prevention programs and services.

"We are all responsible for taking action to stop violence and we can begin by examining our own values, choices and behaviours," Higgins said. "On this day we are challenged to speak up and let others know that violence is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Together we can build a healthy and safe future for children and families."

"No one should have to experience interpersonal violence or abuse," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "But as long as these damaging issues exist in our province, we will continue to invest in and work with the community to deliver essential programs and services that support the victims and break the cycle."

According to the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, nearly half the victims of violent crime are women. Someone the woman knows commits approximately three-quarters of those assaults.

The provincial government provides a range of services to address violence against women such as women's shelters to provide emergency safe housing, treatment programs for abusers; sexual assault counsellors, outreach programs and victims' services.

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For More Information, Contact:

Nadine Sisk Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-4156