Nova Scotians Can Eliminate Violence Against Women

STATUS OF WOMEN--Nova Scotians Can Eliminate Violence Against Women

If you know 12 women, there's a good chance you know a woman who is abused by her partner. That's because one in 12 women is abused by an intimate partner in Nova Scotia.

On Dec. 6, the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the Transition House Association of Nova Scotia will host a panel discussion on the issue of violence against women. Panelists will talk about progress that has been made in Nova Scotia and what remains to be done to end violence against women.

"Too many women still face violence in our communities and in their homes," said Doreen Paris, chair of the advisory council. "We've accomplished much, but we have more yet to do."

This year, 2004, marks the 15th annual National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

"Government works with communities, with transition houses, sexual assault centres, women's centres and with individual Nova Scotians to end violence against women," said Carolyn Bolivar- Getson, Status of Women Minister. "We will continue to work together to try to end the violence."

The Purple Ribbon Campaign - an initiative commemorating the 14 women murdered at École Polytechnique in Montreal on Dec. 6, 1989

• also raises awareness about violence against women. The campaign begins Nov. 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is the first of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. The Transition House Association co-ordinates the Purple Ribbon Campaign in this province.

Ms. Bolivar-Getson presented the first ribbon to Premier John Hamm, today, Nov. 25, to launch the purple ribbon campaign and to mark the 15th anniversary of the Transition House Association.

"It's good to see a provincewide launch of this year's Purple Ribbon Campaign," said Lyn Barrett, co-chair of the Transition House Association and executive director of Bryony House. "Abused women and their children depend on the services provided by their local shelters and outreach programs. We hope this year's campaign will help support these programs."

Events are taking place throughout the province to commemorate the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Nova Scotians are invited to take part in these events and to support women's services in their communities. More information on these events can be found on the Status of Women website, www.gov.ns.ca/staw , and the Transition House Association website, www.thans.ca .