CORRECTION FROM SOURCE: Minister MacKay Visits YWCA of Moncton

MONCTON, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - Feb. 20, 2014) - Department of Justice Canada

This document corrects and replaces the press release that was sent today at 2:30 PM ET.

Minister of Justice Peter MacKay, accompanied by Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice Robert Goguen, today visited the YWCA of Moncton, and announced the organization has received funding from the Department of Justice Canada to host an event during National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (Victims Week), to be held from April 6-12, 2014.

The mission of the YWCA of Moncton is to support and empower women and their families through advocacy and integrated services that foster independence, wellness, and equity for all. The organization provides a range of services and programs, including violence prevention programs and supportive housing programs.

The organization has received funding of $6,336 to host a one-day conference in support of Victims Week for the YWCA's Young Women's Collective and Girls' Council, focused on victims of sexual assaults. The conference will include workshops and guest speakers, and is designed to increase the awareness, skills, and commitment from those in attendance, to take action.

Quick Facts

• The goal of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (Victims Week) is to raise awareness about issues facing victims of crime and the services, programs and laws in place to help victims and their families.

• Victims Week 2014 will take place from April 6-12, 2014, and the theme is "Taking Action."

• Funding for National Victims of Crime Awareness Week projects is provided through the Department of Justice's Victims Fund. The Victims Fund provides support to projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, or increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families. Please note that all funding for Victims Week 2014 has been allocated.

• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has allocated more than $120 million to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system through initiatives delivered by the Department of Justice Canada.

Quotes

"Organizations such as the YWCA of Moncton are important cornerstones of our communities, as they provide services and support directly to those who need it most on a daily basis. This organization and others like it right across the country embody the theme of this year's Victims Week, "Taking Action." All of the YWCA's professionals and volunteers are true examples of how taking action can not only lead to safer communities and streets for all Canadians, but also help and support victims as they heal."

Peter MacKay

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"The YWCA has been an important member of our community here in Moncton - reaching out and providing resources to women and children who are vulnerable. This support will allow the organization to continue their work and more importantly, raise awareness about victims of sexual assault. We wish them continued success."

Robert Goguen

Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice

Associated Links

- Department of Justice Canada's Policy Centre for Victim Issues

- Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund

- National Victims of Crime Awareness Week

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