April 11, 2012

MINISTER STRESSES COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DURING SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

This April Manitobans will have an opportunity to learn and share information about sexual assault through a series of events organized by the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council (Manitoba Status of Women) in recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Family Services and Labour Minister Jennifer Howard, minister responsible for the status of women, announced today.
“Sexual assault impacts Manitobans, directly or indirectly, from all walks of life, and many victims are afraid to report this crime,” said Howard.  “By engaging our communities in discussion throughout the month of April, we can help to give a voice to those who suffer alone and work together to end sexual assaults.”
Planned events include:

• April 18 – A half-day workshop on responding to sexual assault, presented in partnership with the North End Women’s Centre, with presentations from Klinic Community Health Centre’s Sexual Assault Crisis Program, the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program and the Winnipeg Police Service.
• April 12 and 19 – Two lunch-and-learn sessions with Jodie Layne from Hollaback! Winnipeg, an emerging organization working to end street harassment.  The first presentation will address the incidence and causes of street harassment and the second will include tools to deal with harassment, such as bystander intervention. 
• April 27 – A roundtable for sexual assault service providers from across the province.  This event will include a keynote presentation and an opportunity to share challenges and resources.  There will also be a facilitated discussion about service delivery and strategies to improve co-ordination and raise awareness of sexual assault in Manitoba. 

“These events will be an opportunity to learn about responses to sexual assault services around Manitoba and share information, generate discussion and mobilize stakeholders around this issue,” said Howard.
In June 2011, Manitoba passed legislation designating April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in the province.
For more information or to register for an event, go to www.gov.mb.ca/msw/resources/calendar.html  or call the Manitoba Status of Women at 204-945-6281.

- 30 -