More Support for Victims, Prevention of Sexual Violence

Published by the Premier's Office

Friday, May 3, 2013

The province is investing in projects that will ensure victims and their families get the help they need, no matter where they live. It will also foster community partnerships that will help prevent sexual violence from happening in the first place. Premier Darrell Dexter joined Marilyn More, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, at an event today to launch May as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and announce $900,000 to help communities to address sexual violence.

Quotes

“ For too long, many people and organizations have struggled on their own and have fought for help and funding to address the gaps in our services for victims. Thank you for fighting for so long to make Nova Scotia a better place. We have heard from many people here today, and across this province, that we need a co-ordinated provincial approach when responding to sexual violence. And we're doing just that. ” Premier Darrell Dexter

“ Many parts of our province have few services. We must strive for a comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy so all Nova Scotians receive basic service. We can take collective action to change our culture, especially as it relates to respectful relations, safety and health. ” Marilyn More, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women

“ As a women's centre and a sexual-assault centre, we know well the need for collaborative, community-based support services for people in rural communities who have experienced sexualized violence. With this funding, rural communities will be able to strengthen the services and programs they currently provide, develop a collaborative approach for addressing gaps in services, and begin to work more comprehensively on prevention strategies. ” Lucille Harper, executive director Antigonish Women's Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association

“ We are reaching out to our partners -- the voluntary sector, service leaders, citizens who have ideas and want to help –- knowing we all have a critical role to play on the road ahead. Sexual violence affects everyone, whether we are survivors, parents, grandparents, friends or neighbours. We must work together to create safe places to live, learn, work and play. The time is now. ” Marilyn More, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women

Quick Facts

• The province is investing $700,000 over two years for communities around the province to develop projects that will collaboratively provide services to victims of sexual violence.
• The priority is to provide services in communities where they are limited.
• The funding also includes $200,000 in grants to support and foster more collaboration and partnership between organizations that address sexual violence.
• The fund will provide seed money to help organizations across the province broaden and diversify their reach by developing innovative ideas and approaches to support victims of sexual violence and to help prevent it.
• Antigonish Women's Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association executive director Lucille Harper said she commends the government for recognizing communities know best what services and programs they need.
• Today's funding brings the total to increase support for people harmed by sexual violence to $1.1 million.
• On May 1, $200,000 in emergency funding was provided to organizations that are experiencing an increase in demand for services. The fund must be used to provide front-line supports to those who need them.

Learn More

• If You Need Help
• Domestic Violence Resource Centre
• Status of Women
• Premier's Office

Media Contact

Chrissy Matheson

Labour and Advanced Education

902-424-0281

Cell: 902-219-3121

E-mail: mathescl@gov.ns.ca