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WOMEN FEMMES NB

 

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

Featured Article:
UNB Brings in 'Survivor-Centered' Approach for Sexual Assault Reports 
 

Notices

Did You Know?

In the News:
    - New Resources on Victims Bill of Rights Launched
    - Services for Transgender Persons to be Extended
    - Cree Filmmakers First Offering Deals With Violence Against Women     

Parting Thoughts

 

UNB Brings in 'Survivor-Centered' Approach for Sexual Assault Reports

Task force created to enforce new sexual assault policy at UNB

A new sexual assault policy released on Thursday has changed the way sexual assaults are reported and handled on the University of New Brunswick campus.

The policy includes clear ways for victims to report, a new sexual assault advocate, and new sexual assault response teams to provide assistance to anyone who has experienced a sexual assault on campus.

A task force will meet twice a year, and oversee any reports of sexual violence and release an annual statistical report to the public and the university.

The policy was worked on for over two years with input from the community, reports from other universities and feedback from students.

Before, sexual assaults or violence on campus were addressed using both the UNB Student Disciplinary Code and the UNB Policy on Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Harassment.

Lorraine Whalley is the executive director of the Fredericton Sexual Assault Centre. She said the fact that universities like St. Thomas University and UNB took the time to research and ask for input on their sexual assault policies was positive.

"Numbers will be reported, so that we'll be able to have a more accurate reflection of reports or of incidents of sexual assault that are brought forward," said Whalley. "It's important to have information about incidents because then we can work on the best response possible."

Priority is on victims and survivors

The "response of a survivor-centered approach" was one of the best things to come out of the policy, Whalley said. "It's going to hopefully respond to that and ensure that when victims and survivors come forward that they will have a space and place to have their needs met and to have their voices heard," she said. (…)

Different ways provided to file a sexual assault complaint (…)

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NOTICES

Call for interest and nominations for a new Forum for Immigrant and Newcomer Women in New Brunswick. As part of the project, A Coordinated Community Response to Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Experienced by Immigrant Women in New Brunswick, one of the objectives of the multi-agency project team is to pull together a Forum of immigrant and newcomer women. Please view Terms of Reference for the Forum for Immigrant and Newcomer Women in New Brunswick. You will find at the end of a document an Expression of Interest Form as well as a Nomination Form. Please share widely in your networks, especially with immigrant and newcomer women who may be interested in participating, or feel free to nominate women in your community. You may refer to p. 4 of the Terms of Reference to see our criteria. No prior or specific experience or education is required. Completed forms can be sent to Ginette Gautreau, Project Coordinator at [email protected] by Friday June 17, 2016.

#WhatToSay A discussion on Twitter sparked the development of a new Blog post on "What to Say" to survivors of abuse. The author (Dr. Christy Sim) is still taking suggestions (in meme form) to add to her blog. These can be in English, French, or any other language you'd like! 
http://bit.ly/1ZLFaSc    http://bit.ly/1ZLEvjD

 


 

 

Join the Love Shouldn't Hurt campaign for its upcoming Tweet Chat from 8-9pm, on Wednesday, June 22! For one hour, they will discuss (via Twitter) topics related to "Engaging Men in Addressing Intimate Partner Violence," with guest experts Miguel LeBlanc, Barry MacKnight, and Bill Patrick. To participate in the Tweet Chat, simply login to your Twitter account and search: #LSHchat. From there, follow the discussion and join in with tweets that use the hashtag #LSHchat. For more info, or if you have any questions about participating in a Tweet Chat, please contact Meranda McLaughlin, Social Marketing Coordinator with the campaign, at [email protected].

The New Brunswick Council on Aging has been tasked with designing a strategy that will serve as the foundation for a framework to guide all action on issues affecting seniors and the aging experience in New Brunswick. The Council invites the public to “Share Your Story” and help shape the future of aging in New Brunswick. Click on the link below to learn more about the Council on Aging and submit your own story during the month of June. Submissions should be a maximum of 500 words. 
www.gnb.ca/yourstory

GEN1: Help Build the First Generation Free From Violence Against Women
Would you believe that 67 per cent of all Canadians say they have personally known at least one woman who has experienced physical or sexual abuse? There must be something more that we can do to end violence against women. You can be a part of making a difference. GEN1 is a vision for building the first generation in Canada that lives free from violence against women.  By joining the GEN1 movement and pledging your support today, you can help make GEN1 a reality. Together, we can build a better future for Canada and take positive steps toward gender equality. Click here to take the pledge to join GEN1 today.

The 6th Annual General Meeting (Business Meeting) of the Coalition Against Abuse in Relationships, Inc. will be held Friday June 17, 12:15 pm to 2:00 pm at the Dan Bohan Family Centre, 5 Fatima Dr., Riverview, N.B.

The Government of Canada is currently accepting applications from organizations interested in receiving financial assistance from the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF). The Standard Grant Application for Funding can be submitted under either the Workplace Accessibility Stream or the Community Accessibility Stream of the EAF. Apply Now. Deadline: July 26 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Link: Enabling Accessibility Fund.

The DisAbled Women’s Network (DAWN) Canada and the National Educational Association of Disabled Students (NEADS) are conducting collaborative research to determine the prevalence of violence against women with disabilities and Deaf women on college and university campuses in Canada. Data will be collected through an online survey from female students in higher education across Canada who identify as having a disability or being Deaf. Data will also be collected from campus-based service providers who provide support to students with disabilities who report sexual assault. Access to the survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CNB8BRR. For more information, contact: Hanane Khales, Communications Coordinator, DAWN Canada, [email protected], 514-396-0009 Ext. 2505 or Frank Smith, National Coordinator, NEADS, [email protected], 613-380-8065 Ext. 201.

Current Opportunities to Serve on New Brunswick Agencies, Boards and Commissions (ABCs): Qualified women and men having the highest personal and professional integrity are invited to serve on New Brunswick agencies, boards and commissions (ABCs).  For more information, check out the following link:    ABC current opportunities

Voices of New Brunswick Women Consensus-Building Forum: Contact Us: Sartain MacDonald Building, 551 King Street, Suite 103, Fredericton NB E3B 1E7, T. 506.462.5179, 1-844-462-5179, F. 506.462.5069, E. [email protected], www.voixfemmesnb-voiceswomennb.ca.

 

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Senior women account for more than 6 in 10 (66%) of the situations of elder abuse, neglect and self-neglect brought to the attention of New Brunswick’s Adult Protection services.
 
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In the News:

New Resources on Victims Bill of Rights Launched

New educational resources for survivors of crime are now available from the Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick (PLEIS-NB). The new publications were officially released today in conjunction with National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, May 29-June 4.

“The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which came into force less than a year ago, sets out the basic rights of victims and survivors of crime,” said Public Safety Minister Stephen Horsman. “These resources will serve as important tools for survivors of crime and those who support them. This is another way we are working to build stronger, safer communities in New Brunswick and to support individuals and families during their most vulnerable times.”

Three new booklets were developed by PLEIS-NB in conjunction with the victim services branch of the Department of Public Safety as part of a series entitled Are You a Victim of Crime? The first booklet offers an overview of victims’ rights to information, participation, restitution and protection. The second explores victims’ rights to make a complaint when they feel their rights have been denied or violated at either the federal or provincial level. The third booklet provides information on a range of situations where victims of crime can expect to have or can request no-contact provisions or orders against an offender.

“Three new booklets, a poster and a quiz are now available to explain the rights of victims throughout the criminal justice system,” said PLEIS-NB executive director Deborah Doherty. “We want victims to learn about their rights as early on in the criminal justice process as possible.”

These resources can be accessed directly by victims online. They will also be available when victims come into contact with police, courts, victim services and other service providers who work to address the safety and concerns of victims and survivors of crime.

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Services for Transgender Persons to be Extended

The provincial government is moving forward with plans to make medically necessary gender-confirming surgeries an insured service in New Brunswick. It is also proceeding with plans to allow transgender individuals to change their birth certificates to match their gender identities.

“Transgender persons living in New Brunswick are facing challenges in life and in the health-care system,” said Health Minister Victor Boudreau. “Gender dysphoria is a recognized medical condition that, left untreated, can result in high levels of anxiety and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts. We acknowledge and thank the New Brunswick Transgender Health Network for working with our government to make this a reality.”

The provincial government will amend General Regulation 84-20 under the Medical Services Payment Act to make gender-confirming surgeries an insured service under Medicare.

“Gender-affirming surgery is a crucial part of a successful transition for many transgender people,” said Michelle Leard, of the New Brunswick Transgender Health Network and UBU Atlantic. “Today’s announcement will change the lives of transgender New Brunswickers who are presently facing challenging health, mental health and social situations. This was truly a collaborative effort, and I thank the government for this great news as these medically necessary procedures have been proven to improve health, well-being and quality of life.”

Service New Brunswick will introduce legislation this fall to amend the Vital Statistics Act to allow transgender individuals to change their birth certificates to match their gender identities.

“In meeting with members of the transgender community, I know how important it is for the provincial government to take these steps and I am pleased to move this important initiative forward,” said Ed Doherty, minister responsible for Service New Brunswick.

http://bit.ly/1TNygIl

 

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Cree Filmmakers First Offering Deals with Violence Against Women

Vancouver-based filmmakers PD Chalifoux and Michael Auger just wrapped their first feature film, River of Silence.

The husband and wife team are the first Indigenous filmmakers to write, produce and direct a feature-length film that tackles the issue of MMIW. (…)

River of Silence tells the story of Helen, a woman who searches for answers after her daughter Tanis sets out to her grandmother’s house on a fictional First Nation, but fails to arrive. The weight of the subject matter is one that Chalifoux knows well. Her grandmother, Angeline Willier went missing in 2000 under mysterious circumstances. (…)

Auger and Chalifoux said they did their best to create a working environment for their cast and crew during the 13 day shoot.  While most days on a film set start with a production meeting, mornings on set of River on Silence started with self-care.

“We started each day with a smudge. That really made a difference, even for the people who didn’t know what it was or what it did, but they were feeling its effects, and were coming up and asking for it. I found smudging each day in a big circle really helped us to bond and connect.”

That cultural element made a difference to actor Duane Howard, who plays the character of Trevor in the film.

“There were a few days where we had to sit down and pray. We prayed before the day started. It’s very comfortable working with a First Nations team,” said Howard. “Because we have a moral understanding of each other and our presence of who we are as First Nations People.” (…)

Similar to Chalifoux, Howard has personally lived the experience of being a family member of a missing and murdered indigenous woman.

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Parting Thoughts

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.”

-Ayn Rand

 

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