Duncan, British Columbia – 

The Honourable John Duncan, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip, on behalf of the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, today announced Government of Canada support for a project that will address violence against young women in the Cowichan Valley district.

"We know people everywhere share a commitment to building safer homes and communities for all, including for women and girls," said Minister Duncan. "Through this project, the Cowichan Women Against Violence Society will work with a range of partners, including community members and municipal agencies, to prevent gender-based violence."

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

The Cowichan Women Against Violence Society is receiving $134,804 from the Government of Canada for a project that will strengthen community efforts to prevent and reduce violence against young women in the Cowichan Valley district. Young women who have experienced or who are at risk of experiencing violence will participate in and lead focus groups. They will deal with issues ranging from institutional barriers to physical safety concerns, such as the lack of public transit infrastructure.

"In the Cowichan Valley district, safety remains a significant issue, particularly for many Aboriginal, immigrant and low-income young women," said Ms. Terri Dame, Program Manager, Cowichan Women Against Violence Society. "In general, these young women don’t have opportunities to contribute to community-based decisions that affect them. This project will engage young women in exploring the issues and finding solutions."

The Harper Governement is supporting this project through Status of Women Canada’s call for proposals, Working Together: Engaging Communities to End Violence against Women and Girls. Through Status of Women Canada, federal 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.

By:IANS