WORKPLACES HAVE ROLE IN ENDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: MINISTERS
– – –Province to Develop Training Initiative to Help Workplaces Recognize Abuse, Provide Links to Expert Help


Manitoba has launched Domestic Violence Prevention Month with an initial commitment of more than $100,000 to develop domestic violence awareness training for employers, Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh announced today.

“We all have a role to play in countering domestic violence and supporting victims,” said Mackintosh. “Because family violence affects the workplace with a terrible human cost and through lost productivity, we want to ensure workplaces have access to the information and tools they need to take effective action.”

The province will work with employers, chambers of commerce and unions to ensure workplaces of all sizes have access to information or training sessions beginning in the spring that will help them recognize and offer support to victims of domestic violence. That support will consist of links to community resources such as shelters, resource centres, counselling and safe housing.

“Reaching out to offer help is a difficult step, but we need to make sure people know there are things they can do that make a difference,” said Labour and Immigration Minister Nancy Allen, minister responsible for the status of women. “We want to empower the employers and co-workers of people affected by violence so they know that help is available and how to offer it respectfully.”

To mark Domestic Violence Prevention Month, Manitoba today joined governments from cities and countries around the world in the effort to end violence against women. On behalf of the province, Mackintosh and Allan formally added their names to the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) online campaign Say NO to Violence Against Women.

“Manitoba has long been committed to the effort to raise awareness surrounding the issue of family violence and violence against women,” said Mackintosh. “We wholeheartedly support the international efforts of UNIFEM to make sure women around the world have a safer future.”

The online petition is available at www.saynotoviolence.org.

Manitoba is also welcoming the Winnipeg exhibit of an international poster exhibition, Eyes Wide Open, featuring domestic violence awareness posters from around the world. Posters will be on display for the public at the Union Centre, 275 Broadway in Winnipeg from Nov. 3 to 6.

While this announcement officially launches November as Domestic Violence Prevention month in Manitoba, the province recognizes it takes a continued effort to end domestic violence, said Mackintosh.

“Manitoba Justice is pleased to participate in this initiative by inviting workplaces to join in our efforts to counter domestic violence,” said Attorney General Dave Chomiak.

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