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October 20, 2007

Government of Canada Supports Efforts to Combat Violence Against Women with Intellectual Disabilities

WINNIPEG - On behalf of the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan-St. Paul, today announced a grant to the Association for Community Living - Winnipeg for a project to combat violence against women with intellectual disabilities.

The project, aimed at providing support and skills training to women with intellectual disabilities, will receive an investment of $101,498 from the Government of Canada.

"Violence against women has a devastating effect on the lives of its victims, and such violence is all the more devastating when directed at women with intellectual disabilities." Ms. Smith said. "The Government of Canada is pleased to support thjs project that will provide support and training to 45 women to respond to issues relating to violence against them."

"We are pleased that the federal government is supporting the Manitoba Women in Harm's Way - Addressing the Silent Abuse project, which will help this vulnerable group of women to participate more fully and more safely in community life," said Ms. Marsha Dozar of the Association for Community Living - Winnipeg.

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, "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.

For more information on Status of Women Canada, visit http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/.

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For more information, please contact:

Richard Walker
Press Attaché
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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