Minister Guergis Announces Support for Uniting to End Violence Against Women

December 3, 2009

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Ottawa -Women escaping violence will be able to access higher quality services at women's shelters across Canada, today announced the Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women). The Government of Canada will contribute $1 million to support the establishment of Uniting to End Violence against Women, a project that will bring together shelter organizations from across Canada and support efforts to end violence against women and their children.

"As we become more aware of emerging issues in violence against women, including, cyberstalking and human trafficking, it becomes more essential to share information and best practices nationally," said Minister of State Guergis. "Supporting the creation of this network is another example of how our Government is working to end violence against women in all its forms."

Shelter services for women and their children currently vary greatly across Canada. The national Uniting to End Violence against Womennetwork will support the sharing of high quality services for women who experience abuse. Provincial, territorial and First Nations shelter organizations are key partners in this initiative, along with government departments, community-based service providers and women who have experienced domestic violence.

"Alberta Shelters are proud to be part of this initiative," said Ms. Jan Reimer, Provincial Coordinator of the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters. "It is something that shelters across the country have tried to achieve for decades."

The project's principal activities will be to facilitate the national exchange of "proven, promising and innovative" practices and to design and establish a national network of women's shelters across Canada. One million dollars in funding from Status of Women Canada will enable involved shelter organizations to begin developing the network.

Status of Women Canada's Women's Program continues to provide funding to community-based groups across the country. Since 2007, through Status of Women Canada, the Government has funded 117 projects, totalling $22 million that work to eliminate violence against women.

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For more information, please contact:

Emily Goucher
Special Assistant, Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Status of Women)
819-956-4000

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director General, Communications and Strategic Planning
Status of Women Canada
613-995-7839

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