Harper government preventing youth violence with new online tool

OTTAWA, April 30, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced Harper Government support to help end relationship violence among young Canadians through a new online resource.

"Recent incidents demonstrate the need to do all we can to prevent the tragic consequences of violence, cyber-bullying, and online exploitation," said Minister Ambrose. "Our Government is pleased to partner with the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) and Respect Group Inc. on this project to prevent violence among Canadian teens."

Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of reported cases of young people involved in relationship violence. The Harper Government is partnering with the Canadian Red Cross and Respect Group Inc. to create an online educational workshop to raise awareness about relationship violence and promote healthy relationships among young Canadians, ages 14 to 18 year olds.

"We are pleased to receive the Government of Canada's support for this new project to help young Canadians have respectful and healthy relationships," said Mr. Conrad Sauvé, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Red Cross.

"The Government's support for this project will help many young Canadians experience the positive benefits that result from greater respect for one another in all aspects of daily life," said Sheldon Kennedy, co-founder of Respect Group Inc.

"It is important that we give young people all the tools we can to help them live full and rewarding lives, free of violence, intolerance and narrow-mindedness," said Kanata South City of Ottawa Councillor Allan Hubley. "This new project will help young Canadians do just that."

The Canadian Red Cross is a not-for-profit charitable organization working to improve the lives of vulnerable people in Canada and around the world. For 25 years, the CRC has been delivering educational programs to prevent abuse, bullying, violence and sexual exploitation in communities across Canada.

Respect Group Inc. was co-founded by Sheldon Kennedy and provides leadership on issues of ending abuse, harassment, bullying and neglect in Canada. The organization oversees innovative online education programs such as Respect in Sport for Coaches and Activity Leaders, Respect in Sports for Parents, Respect in the Workplace, and Respect in School.

The Harper Government 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, supporting over 600 projects.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada