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November 7, 2003

GRANT: EXAMINING THE SILENCE SURROUNDING QUEBEC WOMEN'S EXPERIENCE OF ASSAULT

OTTAWA -- The "Centre d'aide et de prévention des aggressions à caractère sexuel (CAPACS) de l'Abitibi-Ouest" will receive $48,912 for a 16-month initiative to look into, and identify possible solutions to, the lack of Quebec women who are filing complaints when they fall victim to sexual assault. Mr. Gilbert Barrette M.P. (Témiscamingue) announced the grant today on behalf of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women).

"Services exist to help women who have fallen victim to assault," said Mr. Barrette. "But in order for these services to be effective, women must feel they can file a complaint and receive the support they need. This initiative will help us gain a greater understanding of the barriers that prevent women from speaking out."

"The silence that surrounds incidents of assault serves to push the issue further into the background," said Minister Augustine. "CAPACS' efforts to assist and encourage the women of Quebec to come forward when faced with assault is an example of the necessary, proactive approach we need to be taking in the struggle against violence against women."

Through this initiative, CAPACS will contact more than 550 women, using questionnaires or directed interviews, to get an idea of women's needs and to develop an evaluation of existing practices related to the legal, policing and health care processes across the region. The group will also pursue and develop relations with legal, policing and health care stakeholders promoting change to better meet existing needs and to ensure that a greater number of women can file complaints.

CAPACS is a non-profit community organization working to prevent sexual assault. The Centre offers resources and direct assistance to female victims. Through presentations in schools, community groups, and businesses, the organization is dedicated to raising public awareness and informing the community on how to prevent the occurrence of assault.

Status of Women Canada is the federal government department working to promote gender equality and the full participation of all women in the economic, social, cultural and political life of Canada.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2003 budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.