More Support for Victims, Prevention of Sexual Violence

NOTE: A social media version of this release is available at http://novascotia.ca/news/smr/2013-05-03-Victims-Support/ . Hi-res, downloadable photos and audio clips will be added after the event.

The province is investing in projects that will ensure victims and their families get the help they need, no matter where they live. It will also foster community partnerships that will help prevent sexual violence from happening in the first place.

Premier Darrell Dexter joined Marilyn More, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women, at an event today, May 3, to launch May as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and announce $900,000 to help communities to address sexual violence.

"For too long, many people and organizations have struggled on their own and have fought for help and funding to address the gaps in our services for victims. Thank you for fighting for so long to make Nova Scotia a better place," said Premier Dexter. "We have heard from many people here today, and across this province, that we need a co-ordinated provincial approach when responding to sexual violence. And we're doing just that."

The province is investing $700,000 over two years for communities around the province to develop projects that will collaboratively provide services to victims of sexual violence. The priority is to provide services in communities where they are limited.

"Many parts of our province have few services. We must strive for a comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy so all Nova Scotians receive basic service," said Ms. More. "We can take collective action to change our culture, especially as it relates to respectful relations, safety and health."

Today's funding also includes $200,000 in grants to support and foster more collaboration and partnership between organizations that address sexual violence. The fund will provide seed money to help organizations across the province broaden and diversify their reach by developing innovative ideas and approaches to support victims of sexual violence and to help prevent it.

Antigonish Women's Resource Centre and Sexual Assault Services Association executive director Lucille Harper said she commends the government for recognizing communities know best what services and programs they need.

"As a women's centre and a sexual-assault centre, we know well the need for collaborative, community-based support services for people in rural communities who have experienced sexualized violence," said Ms. Harper. "With this funding, rural communities will be able to strengthen the services and programs they currently provide, develop a collaborative approach for addressing gaps in services, and begin to work more comprehensively on prevention strategies."

"We are reaching out to our partners -- the voluntary sector, service leaders, citizens who have ideas and want to help –- knowing we all have a critical role to play on the road ahead," said Ms. More. "Sexual violence affects everyone, whether we are survivors, parents, grandparents, friends or neighbours. We must work together to create safe places to live, learn, work and play. The time is now."

Today's funding brings the total to increase support for people harmed by sexual violence to $1.1 million. On May 1, $200,000 in emergency funding was provided to organizations that are experiencing an increase in demand for services. The fund must be used to provide front-line supports to those who need them.

For more information on the funds, call 902-424-8662. More information on where people can turn if they need help is available at http://novascotia.ca .