News
Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2011
Posted Monday, 12 Sep 2011, 11:54 am ADT
From September 12-18th, Sexual Violence Awareness Week events are happening throughout the region and the Province.
Of the 217,900 women over the age of 15 residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately 108,950 (1 in 2) will experience at least one incident of sexual or physical violence throughout their lifetime. Aboriginal women are 3.5 times more likely than non-Aboriginal women to be victims of violence (343/1,000 versus 96/1,000 respectively). Approximately 75% of survivors of sexual assault in Aboriginal communities are young women under 18 years of age. (fact sheet, Violence Against Women, Gov. NL)
Sexual Violence is pervasive, knows no boundaries and is most often perpetrated by people known to and trusted by the victim. We know that reporting rate is less than 10% which means victims remain silent for reasons such as fear of the perpetrator, shame, family reputation, isolation, guilt and many others.
We know the costs related to violence against women in our country are in the billions of dollars including health care costs, for both physical and mental health treatment, for transition houses, safe houses, support services, etc.
The costs to the individual are most often life long and irreversible. Victims can suffer Post Traumatic Stress, Mental illnesses and disorders, Eating disorders, and a range of other serious psychological impacts, putting aside the immediate and sometimes long lasting physical effects of sexual Violence.
This week across the region there will be a variety of events happening for Take Back The Night where women will be standing up and speaking out against sexual violence. But it takes a community, men, women, and families to make real change to prevent sexual and all forms of violence. Ending Violence in all forms is everyones responsibility.
Support the women in your community. Find out how to become involved in events and activities this week by contacting your local Status of Women office, Shelter, Safe House, or connect with Violence Prevention Labrador. A full listing of contact information can be found on our website www.vplabrador.cahome/7.
Of the 217,900 women over the age of 15 residing in Newfoundland and Labrador, approximately 108,950 (1 in 2) will experience at least one incident of sexual or physical violence throughout their lifetime. Aboriginal women are 3.5 times more likely than non-Aboriginal women to be victims of violence (343/1,000 versus 96/1,000 respectively). Approximately 75% of survivors of sexual assault in Aboriginal communities are young women under 18 years of age. (fact sheet, Violence Against Women, Gov. NL)
Sexual Violence is pervasive, knows no boundaries and is most often perpetrated by people known to and trusted by the victim. We know that reporting rate is less than 10% which means victims remain silent for reasons such as fear of the perpetrator, shame, family reputation, isolation, guilt and many others.
We know the costs related to violence against women in our country are in the billions of dollars including health care costs, for both physical and mental health treatment, for transition houses, safe houses, support services, etc.
The costs to the individual are most often life long and irreversible. Victims can suffer Post Traumatic Stress, Mental illnesses and disorders, Eating disorders, and a range of other serious psychological impacts, putting aside the immediate and sometimes long lasting physical effects of sexual Violence.
This week across the region there will be a variety of events happening for Take Back The Night where women will be standing up and speaking out against sexual violence. But it takes a community, men, women, and families to make real change to prevent sexual and all forms of violence. Ending Violence in all forms is everyones responsibility.
Support the women in your community. Find out how to become involved in events and activities this week by contacting your local Status of Women office, Shelter, Safe House, or connect with Violence Prevention Labrador. A full listing of contact information can be found on our website www.vplabrador.cahome/7.