New Brunswick observes Sexual Violence Awareness Month

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Monday, July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

New Brunswick observes Sexual Violence Awareness Month each May. This year, the province says it is reaffirming its commitment to prevention, support and action.

“Through historic investments in programs and services dedicated to ending gender-based violence, we are striving to build safer, more equitable communities across the province,” said Lyne Chantal Boudreau, minister responsible for women’s equality, in a news release from the province.

Sexual Violence Awareness Month provides the province with the opportunity to:

• inform the public
• promote education
• strengthen community involvement
• create spaces where people can feel safe speaking out

Last week, Boudreau and Lorraine Whalley, executive director of Sexual Violence New Brunswick, signed a declaration that “reflects our shared commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by violence.”

“It serves as an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the individuals and organizations working every day in New Brunswick to help survivors of violence and drive systemic change,” said Boudreau.

The government says it hopes to enhance services and support for people impacted by sexual violence and has committed to spend:

• $800,000 for community-based sexual violence services to improve access to support across the province
• $100,000 to support coordination and engagement in response to on-campus sexual violence
• $62,000 to continue bystander intervention training at publicly-funded post-secondary institutions in New Brunswick
• $238,000 to support Indigenous communities in their response to sexual violence
• $309,000 for the development of public awareness strategies to address child sexual abuse

“These investments represent much more than just numbers; they will lead to saved and transformed lives, rekindled hope and strengthened communities,” said Boudreau.

“While I am pleased to highlight the sexual violence prevention initiatives and services available in the province, we must not forget that there is still work to be done to ensure everyone can live safely and free from all forms of sexual violence in New Brunswick.”

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.