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November 10, 2007

The Government of Canada Supports Efforts to Combat Violence Against Senior Women

VANCOUVER - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Nina Grewal, Member of Parliament for Fleetwood-Port Kells, today announced funding to the Atira Women’s Resource Society for a project to combat violence against senior women.

Older women experiencing violence often face different issues and challenges from those of younger women. Funding in the amount of $96,432 over three years will enable the Atira Women’s Resource Society to address these issues and challenges through outreach activities with 30 women, 55 years of age or older, who are experiencing abuse and who need additional support to live apart from their abuser.

“Sadly, there is evidence to suggest that many older women suffer abuse on a regular basis,” said Ms. Grewal. “Our Government is pleased to support projects like this one, which will address the devastating effects of violence against senior women.”

Ms. Janice Abbott of the Atira Women’s Resource Society said, “We are delighted to have the support of the federal government to carry out our project, Senior Women’s Outreach for Women Impacted by Violence/Abuse, which is designed to protect some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens.”

Minister Verner announced on October 11 that 60 projects will receive funding totalling $8 million through the Women’s Program of Status of Women Canada. The projects will have an impact on 260,000 women and girls across Canada. The Minister stated that, “The Government of Canada is pleased to support projects aimed at ensuring the full participation of women in every aspect of Canadian society.”

Status of Women Canada is a federal government agency working to promote the full participation of women in the economic, social and cultural life of Canada.

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For more information, please contact:

Richard Walker
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages
(819) 997-7788

Nanci-Jean Waugh
Director, Communications
Status of Women Canada
(613) 995-7839

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