Ministers MacKay and Leitch Announce Federal Funding to Assist Women at Risk of Violence

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - Jan. 27, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada

Introduction

Minister of Justice Peter Mackay and Minister of Labour and Status of Women Dr. K. Kellie Leitch today announced the Government`s support for the Girls Action Foundation's project Building Bridges for Female Youth: National partnership project to address intimate partner violence and increase access to justice among marginalized young women.

The project, funded under the Justice Partnership and Innovation Program, is a pan-Canadian initiative designed to improve access to justice for marginalized young women and girls who are victims of partner violence or at risk of becoming victims. The project will offer these women and girls educational workshops on the justice system and their legal rights, along with other tools to assist them when experiencing dating violence. The project focuses on peers and community organizations as sources of assistance that are simple for young women to access, establishing a sense of safety and trust to make getting information and referrals easier for them.

Quick Facts

• The Department of Justice is providing $361,200 over three years for this project.
  
  
• Among other things, this funding will help:
  
  
  • test an innovative program to increase marginalized young women's ability to access justice and support in the face of intimate partner violence; and
    
    
  • strengthen the tools and knowledge available to youth-serving organizations and service providers to create effective programs for marginalized young women.
    
    

Quotes

"While it is clear to Canadians that violence against women and girls is unacceptable, it unfortunately continues to occur in homes and communities across Canada-this is deplorable. Our Government is committed to working with strong organizations like the Girls Action Foundation to address gender-based violence through education and partnership, so that women and girls experiencing gender-based violence feel empowered and protected from harm."

Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General

"Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that affects us all. Our Government is proud to support the important work of organizations, like the Girls Action Foundation, that provide effective, targeted, and community-based support to women and girls who experience this form of violence."

Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women

"Many girls and young women don't know where to go for help if they or their friends experience intimate partner violence. Reported intimate partner violence has been on the rise in Canada and we have seen how dating violence can lead to devastating consequences, such as suicide, when girls and young women do not access services and support. This project will equip stakeholders to better support young women, especially those that are marginalized, including rural, low-income and Aboriginal female youth. Ultimately, through our collaboration with multiple partners, including the West Coast Legal Education and Action Fund, the project will contribute to building services that are more responsive to young women's unique needs."

Saman Ahsan, Executive Director, Girls Action Foundation

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Associated Links

Justice Partnership and Innovation Program: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fund-fina/jsp-sjp/pjpi-jpip.html

Girls Action Foundation: http://girlsactionfoundation.ca/

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