Government of Canada renews call to end all violence against women and Girls

OTTAWA, Nov. 23, 2012 /CNW/ - In recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Sunday, November 25, the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today called on Canadians to work together to end all forms of violence against women and girls.

"The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us of the women and girls - in Canada and throughout the world - for whom violence and the threat of violence are a daily reality," said Minister Ambrose. "Gender-based violence affects us all. It ruins lives, destroys families, and takes a heavy toll on our economy."

"I call on all Canadians - women and men, girls and boys - to work collaboratively to end all forms of gender-based violence. Everyone has to be part of the solution, including men and boys. Together, we can stop this violence," said Minister Ambrose.

November 25 was designated the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in commemoration of the Mirabal sisters - Patria, Minerva, and Maria Teresa - who died in an act of gender-based violence in the Dominican Republic in 1960. Worldwide it also marks the beginning of 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence, which encompass Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women on December 6 and concludes with International Human Rights Day on December 10.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to

$19 million, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $54 million in funding has been approved for projects that seek to address violence against women and girls.

The Government of Canada is acting on its commitment to end violence against women and girls in communities across Canada. The Safe Streets and Communities Act is better protecting children and youth from sexual predators and has eliminated the option of house arrest for those who have committed serious crimes including sexual assault. The Act no longer considers pardons for such offences.

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For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to www.women.gc.ca

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada