Four community organizations will receive funding from the provincial government to help Island women feel safe from the threat of violence.
The provincial Violence Against Women Prevention Grant has awarded the Aboriginal Women`s Association of P.E.I., the Community Legal Information Association, the P.E.I. Rape and Sexual Assault Centre and Women`s Network P.E.I. with funding to support projects.
Paula Biggar, minister responsible for the Status of Women, says the impacts of violence against women are immediate, far-reaching and long-lasting.
“The social cost is high to both the individual and society as a whole,” says Biggar.
“One of the ways to combat violence is through prevention. and this grant supports community organizations in a way that allows government and community to work together to create safer, better environments for all Islanders.”
The grant provides funding for innovative projects that will enhance awareness and education, as well as take action towards preventing violence against women in P.E.I.
"Street harassment and violence (are complex issues) that women and many gender diverse folks face around the world, says Jillian Kilfoil, executive director of Women's Network of P.E.I.
“Some of them are forced to change their daily routines and activities as a mitigation strategy because they do not feel safe."
Kilfoil adds her group’s project #ItStopsHere helps to understand what young women and gender diverse Islanders encounter in their daily lives.
“This will inform our awareness campaign as we raise the public's knowledge of street harassment and violence with the goal of reducing its prevalence so that all Islanders can live in safe communities,” she says.
Ellen Mullaly of the Community Legal Information Association of P.E.I. says a grant will allow the group to develop a family law workshop in Mandarin and Arabic.
“Offering this type of workshop will help to ensure that all Islanders are educated regarding family law and their rights,” she says.
