New Brunswick Declares November Family Violence Prevention Month

TDS News
Atlantic Canada
November 2, 2020

The coronavirus and added extended quarantine has increased the levels of stress that can increase the likelihood of family violence

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has declared November as Family Violence Prevention Month. The declaration is signed each year to renew the government’s commitment to preventing family violence.

“Everyday, there are New Brunswickers who face domestic violence, whether in the form of physical, verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial or spiritual abuse,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “We each have a role to play in supporting victims – listening. Your time and attention can make a difference.”

The provincial government supports the delivery of various programs and initiatives that provide much-needed services to women:

Domestic Violence Outreach Program
Second Stage Housing
Transition Houses
Child Witness Family Violence
Victim Services
New Brunswick Plan to Prevent and Respond to Violence against Aboriginal Women and Girls
Preventing and Responding to Sexual Violence in New Brunswick: A Framework for Action
Emergency Intervention Orders

“If someone you know is struggling with family violence, listen to them, let them know it is not their fault, and encourage them to seek support,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace, who is also the minister responsible for women’s equality. “Do not be afraid to speak out against family violence. It is important we support one another; anyone of us could be living in this situation.”

Every year, the Fergusson Foundation asks New Brunswickers to recognize November as Family Violence Prevention Month. The foundation has been working to eliminate family violence in the province for 35 years by funding research on the causes, incidence and forms of treatment of family violence and by promoting educational programs and supporting organizations that provide services to those impacted by violence and abuse.