Taking Action Against Violence - Government of Newfoundland and ...

In the early years of the plan there will be an increase in public awareness about the
impact of violence and the important responsibility everyone has to ensure healthy
and respectful relationships. It will be especially important to target increased
awareness activities about vulnerable populations such as women, children and
youth, Aboriginal women and children, seniors, persons with disabilities and others
who are victims of violence because of ethnicity, sexual orientation, or economic
status. Programs will be designed to encourage new and changed behaviors,
especially with children and youth.
In the short-term we hope to see an increase in public concern and awareness about
violence against vulnerable populations, and an increase in the reporting of
incidences of violence and requests for service. In the long-term we may be able to
decrease the need for violence prevention services and improve indicators for
healthier and safer relationships.
Objectives:
1. Expansion and implementation of a province-wide violence prevention public
awareness and education campaign by 2009
Actions:
• The Women’s Policy Office will implement an expanded provincial, multi-media
public awareness and attitudinal change campaign with multi-sectoral partners,
including community, business and industry, municipalities, and the media with a
focus on identified populations of the VPI.
• The Department of Education will lead a collaborative province-wide strategy on
substance abuse prevention and education.
• The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Departments of Justice
and Health and Community Services will host a Youth Forum with respect to
Safe and Caring Schools and Substance Abuse.
• The Department of Education will work closely with Addictions, Departments of
Justice, Health and Community Services to ensure students receive substance
abuse and gambling education in the curriculum.
• The Department of Justice will develop victim services and learning resources on
court preparation for children.
• The Department of Health and Community Services will implement a public
awareness campaign on elder abuse.
• The Department of Health and Community Services will develop a public
awareness strategy concerning the identification and mandatory reporting of child
maltreatment including services available to children, youth and their families.
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