NL Government: Purple Ribbon Flag Raised at Confederation Building to Increase Awareness about Violence Against Women

November 25, 2020

The Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, joined violence prevention advocates Debbie Hibbs, whose daughter Juliane was murdered in 2013, and Lisa Lake, whose daughter Cortney went missing in 2017, for a flag rising ceremony today at Confederation Building to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The Purple Ribbon flag is raised to help create public awareness and positively change attitudes and behaviours about violence against women and girls in Newfoundland and Labrador. The flag will be flown for the duration of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which runs until December 10.  As well, Confederation Building will be lit purple tonight to remember those who live with gender-based violence and those whose lives have been taken.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador works collaboratively and in culturally responsive ways to address the issue of gender-based violence in our province and throughout Canada. This includes working with representatives from the women’s community, Violence Prevention NL organizations, Indigenous groups and organizations, and other government departments and agencies to identify targeted, solution-focused goals to implement.

The Provincial Government is committed to continuing violence prevention efforts including stakeholder consultations and engagement, regional outreach on violence prevention, education initiatives, and continued support for organizations engaged in violence prevention. An all of government approach to violence prevention includes supporting social programs, creating strong communities and ensuring the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.

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“The harm caused by gender-based violence in our communities is unacceptable by anyone’s standards. Our government continues to work with community partners and those with lived experience to challenge the very roots of violence at every opportunity, and we affirm our commitment to work together to establish equality for all women, free from fear and harm.”

Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for the Status of Women

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Media contact
Nancy Hollett
Office for the Status of Women
709-729-4934, 725-6078
nancyhollett@gov.nl.ca

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