Message from Hon. Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

November 25, 2009

Today marks the 10th anniversary of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Violence against women continues to be a serious human rights issue and public health problem around the globe. In Canada, research shows that gender-based violence remains widespread, and that Aboriginal women and northern residents face higher rates of violence. We also know that there are multiple, long-lasting connections between violence and health. Women who experience violence have a greater chance of suffering from mental illness, suicidal behaviors and substance abuse, as well as chronic illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and lung disease.

The Government of Canada is committed to ending all forms of family violence, including violence against women. For over two decades, we have been addressing family violence through the Family Violence Initiative . Led by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), this initiative promotes public awareness of the risk and protective factors associated with family violence; works with government, research and community partners to strengthen the criminal justice, housing, and health systems' responses; and supports data collection, research, and evaluation efforts to identify effective interventions. PHAC also operates the National Clearinghouse on Family Violence, providing resources and services, including a toll-free information line, publications, videos and a bi-monthly E-bulletin, free of charge for all Canadians.

Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the government has invested--and continues to invest--significantly in health research that focuses on gender-based violence. For example, research has been conducted on the long-term impact of intimate partner violence on women's mental and physical health, as well as on improving access to healthcare for Aboriginal women leaving violent relationships. The CIHR also works in partnership with community groups and policy-makers to understand how parenting, resilience, and cultural sensitivity might protect vulnerable groups against gender-based violence. CIHR thentranslates that knowledge into policies and services aimed at improving the health of Canadians.

The Government of Canada is also investing $29.8 million in 2009-2010 in family, violence-prevention programs and services to foster healthy First Nation families living on reserve. The First Nations Family Violence Prevention Program,an initiative led by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, demonstrates that the safety of women, children, and families is a priority.

I encourage all Canadians to join in helping prevent violence against women, not just today, but each and everyday.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada