Media Room

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Correctional Service of Canada Remembers and Takes Action on Violence Against Women

Ottawa, December 6, 2004 – On National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the Correctional Service of Canada recognizes its staff's contribution to the health and safety of communities across Canada.

"CSC is an organization that deals daily with the costs of violence for victims, offenders and their respective families as well as for communities in general," says Don Head, Acting Commissioner for the Correctional Service of Canada. "CSC employees work quietly behind the scenes to protect the public. I continue to be amazed by the level of professionalism and dedication of staff as they effect positive change in our communities by preventing violence against women."

Recent research has shown that CSC's national Family Violence Prevention Programs are successful at reducing the incidence of violence against women. The programs are based on proven methods and on the principle that learned patterns of behaviour can be modified with appropriate assistance. The different treatment components offered to offenders include education, skills training, relapse prevention instruction and individual counselling. Canadians are benefiting from the great strides made to prevent violence against women.

Over the past couple of months, the harsh reality of violence against women has been highlighted for CSC given the tragic death of community Parole Officer Louise Pargeter in Yellowknife. Ms Pargeter was the first community Parole Officer to be killed in the line of duty. CSC has since strengthened its practices to further enhance the safety of parole officers and will continue to work to ensure the safety of its staff and the communities in which they work.

A moment of silence will take place today at 1:00 pm EST, across CSC institutions and parole offices in honour of the countless women who have been victims or live with the threat of violence.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women was established by Parliament in 1991 and coincides with the sad anniversary of the death of 14 women who were killed, on December 6, 1989, at l'École Polytechnique in Montreal. It is an opportunity to reflect on the phenomenon of gender-based violence in society and to contemplate ways to contribute to preventing and eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls.

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For additional information, contact:

Michèle Pilon-Santilli
Media Relations
(613) 943-2573