Women's Equality Branch
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September 23, 2015
IN THIS ISSUE:
Featured Article:
Provincial Government Supports Stakeholder Groups Working On Violence Prevention
In the News:
- Declaration Signed to Highlight Respectful Workplace Week in New Brunswick
- N.B. Community Groups Launch Project to Research and Reduce Human Trafficking
- September 15 Marks New Brunswick Human Rights Day
Provincial Government Supports Stakeholder Groups Working On Violence Prevention
The provincial government has shown its support for stakeholder groups working on violence prevention as a way to help women and families in New Brunswick.
“Women and their children who leave abusive relationships need the support of their communities and their government to build new lives free of violence,” said Premier Brian Gallant, who is also minister responsible for women’s equality.
Visiting with stakeholder groups provided Gallant with the opportunity to learn first-hand about the work they are doing and reiterate the government’s commitment to help women and families.
“Violence against women continues to be a serious societal issue, having a profound effect on their quality of life and on the province’s social and economic future,” said Gallant.
There are 13 transition houses and five second-stage housing programs in operation, as well as a sexual assault crisis centre in Fredericton and a Sexual Assault Response Team in Saint John.
“It takes time and courage to overcome the impact of violence,” said Gallant. “With support services and affordable housing, women and their children can heal and re-establish themselves in a safe and healthy environment. We are proud to work with community-based organizations that are focused on making our province a more secure, economically-viable and sustainable place for women and family life.”
This summer Gallant visited second-stage housing programs across the province including Crossroads for Women in Moncton, Maison Oasis in Kent Co., Residence of Hope at the Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre, Liberty Lane Inc. in Fredericton, and Second Stage Safe Haven in Saint John as well as the Saint John Sexual Assault Response Team.
In 2015-16, through the Women’s Equality Branch, the provincial government provided $330,000 in program funding support for all five facilities. Another $50,000 has been allocated for the Greater Saint John Sexual Assault Response Team at St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre.
Many women seeking to escape violence do not have sufficient income to secure housing and, as a result, often return to abusive home situations. Second-stage housing supports women and their children by providing affordable housing and individual, group and children’s support for about one year.
In 2013-14, 51 women and 53 children resided in second-stage housing in New Brunswick. The Department of Social Development provides rent supplements for the units based on income. There are 34 second-stage housing units in the province.
The Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre is responsible for implementing the Provincial Strategy on Sexual Assault Services.
The Greater Saint John Sexual Assault Response Team provides 24-hour volunteer support services to male and female survivors of sexual abuse over the age of 16.
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2015.09.0861.html
NOTICES
Chief Inauguration - Oromocto First Nation installs its first female chief. Watch video: http://bit.ly/1NLeVal
Coalition Against Abuse in Relationships (CAAR) will be hosting a Wine and Food Pairing event on Wednesday, September 23 at the Chocolate River Station, Cocoa Room in Moncton. CAAR invites potential sponsor, donors and attendees to join them for this event. By participating in this event you will be helping make services and resources available free to clients in need. Show CAAR friends, neighbors and colleagues your commitment to supporting outreach services for those in need and become a sponsor and/or donor. $100/ticket or a table (10 tickets) for $900. http://www.coalitionagainstabuse.com/ (506) 855-7222
In its 30th year, the annual Take Back the Night March in Fredericton is a night for all those in our community to come out against sexual violence. While we ask that only (trans/cis) women and children march, we welcome all genders to come out to celebrate 30 years of Take Back the Night. White Ribbon Fredericton will also be onsite to lead a discussion on how to get involved in ending sexual violence. All are welcome! Friday, September 25 at 8:00 pm in front of Fredericton City Hall (397 Queen St.) https://www.facebook.com/events/1688574521372277/. This year's theme, #30YearsofLight means we want YOU to bring YOUR light! Come to the march with a flashlight (or use your phone!), a safe candle, or glowsticks to shine light on sexual violence in Fredericton!!
The Kennebecasis Valley Regional Police department will be coordinating a Milk and Cookies Fun Run in memory of Tanya Shand on September 26 at 9 am, Quispamsis. Tanya’s silhouette was unveiled and inducted as a New Brunswick Silent Witness on September 20th, 2014. While the event is in memory of Tanya, each kilometre of this event will be dedicated to women in the area who have lost their lives as a result of domestic violence. Registration can be done at the Kennebecasis Regional Police Station or online at https://www.events.runningroom.com/site/?raceId=12463. 100 % of the proceeds from this race will go directly back into this community.
Public Legal Education and Information Service of New Brunswick is offering the following workshops in September:
· Fredericton - September 24 - Doing Your Own Divorce
· Tracadie-Sheila - September 29 - Séparation: considérations juridiques
· Shediac - September 30 - Separation: Legal Considerations
· Bathurst - September 30 - Séparation: considérations juridiques
Meet the members and staff of the Voices of New Brunswick Women Consensus-Building Forum. Saturday, October 3, 12pm to 1:30pm at Four Points by Sheraton, 100 Rice Road, Edmundston. Free Lunch will be served. Pre-registration preferred, but walk-ins welcome. Come meet the Forum’s members and staff. Members and staff will be available for one-on-one and small group discussions throughout lunch. To register, contact: [email protected] or 1-844-462-5179. https://www.voixfemmesnb-voiceswomennb.ca/
Support to Single Parents - Educational Programs:
· Emotions - Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 am, starting October 15, Moncton.
· Positive Parenting - Thursdays, 6:30-8:30 pm, starting October 8, Moncton.
No one will be refused service if they are unable to pay. Facilitator: Debbie Melanson-Hebert. Registration begins 3 weeks before start date. Call Nathalie at 506-858-1303 ext. 3301, Email: [email protected]. For more information on programs: www.supporttosingleparents.ca
The Fredericton Sexual Assault Centre is seeking volunteers! FSAC volunteers are a dedicated group of women who provide an invaluable service to the community and to survivors of sexual violence in the greater Fredericton area. Involvement with the Centre gives volunteers the opportunity to gain experience, knowledge and skills in many areas, including crisis counselling, advocacy, non-profit organizations and a variety of issues related to violence. Interested applicants must be 19 years of age. If you have questions or are interested in receiving our application package please contact Jenn Gorham at [email protected] / http://on.fb.me/1j8lBEk
3rd World Conference of Women’s Shelters. November 3-6, 2015 in The Netherlands, with topics such as Internet safety, employers’ domestic violence policies, sexual violence in war & conflict zones, and good practices in shelter work. Registration: Click here to register. www.worldshelterconference.org
#MoveToEndDV - MeatHead Movers makes worldwide challenge to inspire at least 100 businesses across the world to find ways to help victims of domestic violence. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_BpoX36QWA
The Voter’s Guide is now available for the 2015 Federal Election! This guide has been written for International Women's Rights Project (IWRP) by Michael McDonald from the University of Victoria and is available to be adapted and used by individuals and organizations during the federal election. Please share it widely! View the guide here: http://bit.ly/1OFa9tu
Up For Debate is calling for all political parties to commit to raising gender equality and women’s rights issues on every step of the campaign trail, including proactively raising these issues during every election debate. To sign the petition or for more information: http://upfordebate.ca/
Family Enrichment and Counselling Service offers personal and professional development programs. Check out their Fall Schedule for programs and Lunch and Learn presentations. Download Fall 2015 Schedule / Download Schedule of Fall 2015 Lunch & Learn presentations. For more information call Family Enrichment at 506-458-8211, 1-888-829-6777 or email [email protected] http://familyenrichment.ca/index.php/en/page/home
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.
Visit the Equality Profile
and send us your feedback HERE
Declaration Signed to Highlight Respectful Workplace Week in New Brunswick
The following statement was issued [on September 9] by Premier Brian Gallant, who is also minister responsible for women’s equality:
Respect is a fundamental value in New Brunswick workplaces. To recognize this and the importance of safe and healthy workplaces that are free from discrimination and harassment, Sept. 7-11 has been declared Respectful Workplace Week in New Brunswick.
Not only is it the right thing to do, we also believe more harmonious workplaces can be more productive ones, helping to drive our economy.
Workplace bullying is a form of harassment that includes subtle or overt behaviour that is persistent and repeated, unsafe, unwanted, degrading, isolating or intimidating and involves the abuse of power or control.
Respectful Workplace Week is an opportunity to work together to better understand and prevent bullying and other forms of violence or abuse in our workplaces.
A healthy and respectful workplace is good for business. It can benefit both employees and employers by contributing to increased productivity and improved morale which helps set the conditions for economic growth and makes life better for families.
As part of this initiative, a free public lecture series on respect at work will be hosted by the Workplace Violence and Abuse Team of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the Fredericton Public Library on Sept. 10.
Bullying in the workplace affects everyone. As premier and the minister responsible for Women’s Equality, I ask every New Brunswicker to stand up against all forms of violence and abuse to demonstrate that it will not be tolerated in the workplace, at home or in the community.
http://bit.ly/1FsJIYp
http://bit.ly/1FsJGjh
N.B. Community Groups Launch Project to Research and Reduce Human Trafficking
A New Brunswick group is working with the province and police agencies to develop a strategy to deal with the issue of human trafficking and determine how much of an issue it is in New Brunswick.
Partners for Youth has launched the three-year project with the help of $200,000 from Status of Women Canada.
Partners for Youth CEO, John Sharpe, says they know young New Brunswick women are being lured into prostitution, but they don’t know how many.
“If someone’s driving in a car and they have drugs in the car and they get pulled over they get charged for possession,” Sharpe said.
“If someone’s driving in a car and they have a 14-year-old girl in the car and they get pulled over, there’s no charge for that. There’s no safeguard. “
He says a big part of the project will be to gather the data they need to address the problem.
Martine Stewart of the New Brunswick Working Group on Human Trafficking says in most cases young women and girls are being lured out of New Brunswick to the sex trade in Quebec or further west.
Norm Bosse, New Brunswick’s child and youth advocate, says he’s not dealing with any specific cases of human trafficking, but if it’s happening elsewhere, then it’s likely happening in New Brunswick as well.
September 15 Marks New Brunswick Human Rights Day
The following statement was issued [on September 14] by Randy Dickinson, chair of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, to mark Human Rights Day:
Since 2002, Sept. 15 has been the day that we officially commemorate the recognition of human rights in all communities across the province and underscores the coming into effect of the New Brunswick Human Rights Act on Sept. 15, 1967. In that regard, it is useful to recall the evolution of the concept of human rights and the progress that has been made toward eliminating discrimination and creating a vision of equality for all.
But despite these advancements, we are reminded daily that throughout the world not all people enjoy the respect for fundamental rights. The impact of the civil war in Syria and the perilous migration of an entire people are a sad reminder.
The industrialized areas of the world must continue to exercise judgment to maintain an ideal dynamic; and measures to counter the current economic challenges should not be adopted at the expense of programs and institutions, both public and private, devoted to the protection and the development of democracy and human rights. We need to safeguard their sustainability, and ensure that they continue to keep pace with current social changes.
The rights and benefits we enjoy today are the result of the ongoing work of countless groups and individuals. On this New Brunswick Human Rights Day, I applaud each and every person who did something to promote equality and peace during the past year and ask you to redouble your efforts to protect those achievements.
“To achieve the healthy survival of humanity, we must treat both the genders with
equal respect and abolish any form of discrimination.”
-Rafiq Pathan
Globally renowned village council leader in Rajastan, and prominent eco feminism advocate
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Women Femmes NB
is sent out twice a month by the provincial government Women's Equality Branch. It provides news related to equality issues, including events, studies, initiatives and information from women's groups, governments, universities, etc.
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