Harper Government Taking Action to End Violence Against Women who are Deaf or Have Disabilities

MONTRÉAL, Dec. 9, 2013 /CNW/ - The Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a new project by the DisAbled Women's Network (DAWN)/Réseau d'action de femmes handicapées (RAFH) Canada.

"Our Government is committed to protecting women and girls from violence," said Minister Leitch. "That is why we are holding offenders accountable for their actions and supporting community-based projects across Canada that address violence against women and girls."

DAWN/RAFH Canada is receiving $557,185 from the Government of Canada for a project that will work to reduce the rates of violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women across Canada, including in the North. The project will be carried out in various communities, and will engage women with disabilities, Deaf women, service providers and community groups, to help improve relevant services and community supports. Activities include workshops for participants, training for service providers, and the development of a community engagement toolkit.

"The Government of Canada is committed to the safety and security of Canadians in every sector of our society," said Minister Leitch.  "Preventing violence against women that are deaf or that have disabilities is an important part of our commitment, and this project will help address their needs and concerns."

"Women with disabilities face an extremely high risk of violence," said Ms. Bonnie Braxton,  National Executive Director, DAWN/RAFH Canada. "We are therefore very pleased to have Government of Canada support for this important project, which reaches out to a diverse range of women with disabilities and Deaf women, including in the North, as well as the larger community."

Through Status of Women Canada, Harper Government support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, supporting more than 600 projects across Canada. Since that time, over $62 million dollars in funding has been approved specifically for projects to end violence against women and girls.

From November 25, 2013 until December 10, 2013, the Government of Canada is marking 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This includes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25, Canada's National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women on December 6, and International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2013.

SOURCE: Status of Women Canada