Government of Canada supports initiatives to prevent and address family violence in Yukon

The project will support families who have experienced, are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing violence.

WHITEHORSE, Yukon, July 21, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ – Public Health Agency of Canada

Domestic violence and gender-based violence are serious public health issues that are strongly linked to mental health issues and can have lasting consequences for survivors and those around them. These issues affect families in all regions of Canada, and include many different forms of physical and emotional abuse, as well as neglect by family members or intimate partners. The government of Canada is committed to supporting all survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, and to protecting the health and safety of those at risk of it.

Today, the Honorable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, announced over $1 million in funding to support a Council of Yukon First Nations (CYFN) initiative to prevent domestic and gender-based violence and support the mental and physical well-being of survivors.

The main objective of the program is that Yukon First Nations men, or those who identify as Yukon First Nations men, who have used or are at risk of using violence in their family have the opportunity to participate in a voluntary home violence prevention program. community. To achieve this, CPNY intends to provide training to many facilitators through a train-the-trainer concept so that the program can be delivered directly in fourteen yukon communities to reflect their unique needs and to provide continuity and/or additional support to participants after they leave the program.

This funding comes at a critical time as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact children and families at risk of violence due to interrupted services and additional emotional stressors affecting caregivers such as stress parenting, depression and problematic alcohol use. This innovative project will help gather evidence on health promotion interventions and supports that work in yukon communities.

Today’s investment is an important step in the right direction. The federal government will continue to do whatever it takes to prevent domestic and gender-based violence, support survivors, and break the cycle of violence in families and communities from coast to coast to coast.

Quotation

“Our government is committed to supporting survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, as well as families experiencing or at risk of violence, so they can get the help they need to heal and build a sense of community. better life. Recognizing that the pandemic continues to impact children and families at risk of violence, the funding announced today will help fill service gaps while making it easier for Yukoners to access the culturally relevant and effective services they need. need. This investment is an important step forward, but we know we have more to do and we will continue to take action to help prevent family violence and support those who have been affected. »

The Honorable Carolyn Bennett
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health

“Yukonians continue to feel the effects of the pandemic, particularly at home and disproportionately for Indigenous peoples. We have seen a tragic increase in gender-based violence across the territory, and today’s announcement reflects the need to close the gaps that have been highlighted. Congratulations to the CPNY, and I look forward to working with you to ensure that all Indigenous Peoples of yukon receive the supports they need. We know we have more to do, but we are committed to continuing prevention work and supporting victims of domestic and gender-based violence. »

Brendan Hanley
Deputy

“The Council of Yukon First Nations is pleased to be named a recipient of this funding which will help fill an existing gap in culturally appropriate programs for Yukon First Nations that address and prevent violence. family and its impact on health. In addition to providing culturally appropriate programming and support, the Yukon First Nations Violence Prevention Program will increase community capacity to address and prevent family violence at the community level through planned training opportunities for community animators.

Grand Chief of the Council of Yukon First Nations Peter Johnson

Fast facts

• One-third of Canadian adults report having experienced child abuse.
• Domestic violence affects future relationships and future generations: Children who have been abused, neglected or exposed to domestic violence are at risk of experiencing or perpetrating violence in adulthood.
• The COVID and Mental Health Survey indicates that risk factors for child abuse and family violence have increased. Risk factors include depression, parental stress, and alcohol use. Additionally, 5% of Canadians said they were worried about violence in the home during the third wave of the pandemic, between February and May 2021.
• This project will deliver and evaluate a community-based intimate partner violence intervention program that has been successfully delivered and evaluated in British Columbia. yukon specific context and create a Yukon First Nations working group to help with oversight and guidance. The Firelight Group, an Aboriginal-owned consulting group with offices in alberta and British Columbia is the lead research partner that will participate in the evaluation component.

Related links

Stop domestic violence
Call for proposals: Prevention and treatment of family violence – the health perspective

SOURCE Public Health Agency of Canada

For further information: Maja Staka, Press Secretary, Office of the Honorable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health, 343-552-5568; Media Relations, Public Health Agency of Canada, 613-957-2983, [email protected]; Public Inquiries: 613-957-2991, 1-866-225-0709