FRANCAIS

November 04, 2005

Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick and Attorney General Gord Mackintosh today announced a multi-stage campaign to further support prevention of domestic violence and help Manitobans affected by family violence to rebuild their lives.

Melnick and Mackintosh announced the details of this year’s Domestic Violence Prevention Month at the launch of a unique exhibit, the Silent Witness Project, a display of life-sized silhouettes representing women murdered by their intimate partners.

“As the Silent Witness display makes its way across the province, it will demonstrate to all Manitobans the significance of domestic violence and will remind us that we must do even more to prevent this serious problem,” said Melnick. “This is also a time to acknowledge the specialized work of all the community-based organizations that are helping women, men and children affected by the many forms of family violence.”

The overall public awareness campaign, Promises Aren’t The Only Things That Get Broken, reinforces the essential message that everyone can take steps to help end domestic violence in their communities. The awareness campaign includes transit shelter posters, brochures, lapel buttons and direct mail materials.

“While we continue to make progress to build safer communities, enhance citizen’s understanding of the law and to link victims to sources of assistance and information, there is no denying the seriousness of the issue and the poignancy put forward by the Silent Witness Project,” said Mackintosh.

This year, the province provided an additional $315,400 for 34 community-based agencies dealing with domestic violence. Since 1999, funding for a comprehensive range of services has increased by over 50 per cent and now totals over $10.4 million per year.

The province has also provided $17,400 for the month-long public awareness campaign that will be run in urban, rural and northern communities. Information will be sent to various groups including hospitals, RCMP units and medical service facilities.

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