BACKGROUNDER

Family Violence Prevention Program

The Family Violence Prevention Program is one component of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada's priority for Women, Children and Families. The program provides operational funding for a network of 35 shelters, and supports community-based prevention projects. Approximately 265 First Nations communities are served by the shelters. Each year, approximately 1,900 women and 2,300 children access those services.

There are two main components to INAC's Family Violence Prevention Program. These include:

Shelters

Shelters for First Nations women and children are important for their safety and well-being in family violence crisis situations.

INAC provides operational funding to a network of 35 shelters used by First Nations women who ordinarily live on-reserve. The Family Violence Prevention Program provides approximately $18.5 million in annual operational funding to support 35 shelters, serving approximately 265 First Nation communities, and provides $7M to support community-based prevention projects.

Prevention Projects

To receive Family Violence Prevention federal project funding, community-based projects must be aimed at reducing the incidence of violence on reserve.

The anticipated result of the Family Violence Prevention Program is a reduction in family violence and a more secure family environment for children on-reserve, by providing family violence prevention and protection services.

The Department works with stakeholders such as the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence, the Native Women's Association of Canada, the Assembly of First Nations, provinces and territories, and other government departments such and Status of Women Canada on the coordination of family violence programming to better protect the interests of Aboriginal women, children and families.

For further information visit: Family Violence Prevention Program for First Nations

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