Media Release

Action to end campus violence

October 8, 2013

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Today, the Honourable Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Wai Young, Member of Parliament for Vancouver South, announced a project that will engage students in addressing violence against women at Vancouver Community College.

"Our Government is taking action to address violence against women on university and college campuses across Canada." said Minister Leitch. "It makes perfect sense to encourage students, faculty and staff to become part of the solution, and help create an environment that is safe for everyone."

"Violence against women is everyone's problem, and our government is proud to support projects on college campuses that improve the safety and security of women, said Ms. Young. "This project will help ensure that Vancouver Community College embraces an environment that is safe and conducive to learning."

Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW) is receiving $200,000 for C.A.R.E. About Gendered Violence, a project that will engage students, faculty, staff and administration at Vancouver Community College in preventing violence against women. Participants will form a Campus Task Force and develop a Coordinated Community Response strategy, which will identify measures to address violence and make recommendations to improve campus safety.

"Women Against Violence Against Women is pleased to work with Vancouver Community College to address gender-based violence on campus," said Jacqueline Wilson, Board Chair of WAVAW. "This project will empower students and staff at the college to take specific actions to prevent violence against women and create a safer, more welcoming campus for all."

"VCC is committed to ensuring the safety of its students" said Kathy Kinloch, President of Vancouver Community College. "We are excited to work with WAVAW on a coordinated strategy to address gender-based violence and improve security on campus."

This project is being funded under the call for proposals entitled Engaging Young People to Prevent Violence against Women on Post-Secondary Campuses. Through this initiative, the Government of Canada has supported 22 organizations in their efforts to address a wide range of issues related to violence against female students, such as sexual assault and harassment. Organizations are working with colleges and universities to carry out their projects.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls while strengthening families, communities, and the country. 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 2007, close to $62 million has been approved through the Women's Program for projects to end violence against women and girls.

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For media inquiries only:

Barbara Mottram
Director of Communications
Office of the Hon. Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, P.C., Ont., M.P.
Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women
Tel: 819-953-5646
Fax: 819-994-5168

For all other inquiries contact:

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