Released on December 3, 2008
December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the anniversary of the deaths of 14 female engineering students killed at Montreal's l'École Polytechnique.
Established by Parliament in 1991, December 6 is an opportunity for Canadians to remember all women and girls who have died as a result of violence, to think about those who currently face violence in their lives, and to consider actions toward eliminating violence against women.
"Violence against women is a serious social problem that negatively impacts us all - women, men, children, neighbourhoods, workplaces and communities," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "On this solemn anniversary, I want to reaffirm our government's commitment to making Saskatchewan a place where all people can feel safe in their homes and in their communities."
Violence against women can take many forms including spousal assault, spousal homicide, sexual assault and stalking. According to Statistics Canada, spousal violence accounts for the single largest category of convictions involving violent offences nationally. Saskatchewan has the second highest rate of spousal assault against women in Canada with approximately 25,000 incidents occurring between 1999 and 2004.
"Each of us has the power and responsibility to speak out against violence and to help create a province where people can build their futures without the threat of violence," Norris said.
The provincial government provides funding for several programs to address violence against women, such as shelters for women and children, sexual assault counselling and treatment for abusers.
For more information on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, visit the Status of Women Canada website at www.swc-cfc.gc.ca or the White Ribbon Campaign website at www.whiteribbon.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Joy Johnson
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: joy.johnson@gov.sk.ca