News Releases
November 12, 1998
STATUS OF WOMEN CANADA GRANT TO HELP ABUSED WOMEN IN ALBERTA
EDMONTON, Alberta -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, federal Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) today announced a $55,590 grant to the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters (ACWS). The grant will be used to fund a variety of activities aimed at increasing awareness of the barriers faced by abused women in the justice and social service systems.
"Women and children who are victims of violence need the support of governments as well as other partners in society such as organizations in their own communities," said Dr. Fry. "The ACWS has a proven track record in providing support and sitting down with key decision-makers to offer input into policies to promote institutional change." The grant will be used to fund a number of collaborative endeavours.
These include a joint project with Alberta Justice to track sentencing in cases involving violence against women. As well, the Office of Prevention of Family Violence will work with the ACWS to develop training and educational packages for front-line workers dealing with victims of family violence. The ACWS will also promote outreach programs to rural areas where services are not easily accessible. These programs assist abused women wishing to remain in their homes.
The ACWS is an umbrella group representing 30 shelters in Alberta. It provides a voice for abused women in the province and coordinates efforts to address their needs.
Status of Women Canada (SWC) is the federal government department working to advance women's equality. SWC's Women's Program, which is funding the ACWS, provides financial and technical assistance to organizations to support community-based action on issues related to women's equality. Funding for the Women's Program was provided for in the February 1998 federal budget and is, therefore, built into the existing fiscal framework.
|
