Government Rolling Out Key Initiatives Under Sexual Violence Strategy

Government is looking for people to share their knowledge and experience to help prevention efforts and improve support for victims and survivors of sexual violence.

To address sexual violence, government is creating two provincial committees -- one to shape public awareness about the issue and a second to develop training and education materials to better support victims and survivors.

"This is an opportunity to foster shared understanding while improving support for victims and survivors of sexual violence across this province," said Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard. "We will be working hand-in-hand with the community."

Each committee will require between six to eight community representatives. The work is expected to begin in March and to last about a year.

Regional workshops will also be organized over the coming months with various groups. The intent is to work together and determine community-based approaches that better support victims and families.

As well, government is continuing efforts to identify opportunities for change and collaboration. A multi-department group will strengthen support for the strategy.

"I want Nova Scotians to know that this is a priority for me and government. These are important steps in taking action to change a culture that enables sexual assault and sexual violence," said Ms. Bernard. "These actions build directly on public and stakeholder engagement that involved almost 1,000 Nova Scotians in 2014. What We Heard, a summary of our findings from this initial engagement, is available on the department's website.

Those interested in volunteering for a provincial committee are invited to send a cover letter and resume to strategy@novascotia.ca by Feb. 28.

For more information, visit http://novascotia.ca/coms/svs/ .