The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sexual Violence Awareness Week from September 14-20.

The theme for Sexual Violence Awareness Week 2020 is “Listen. Believe. Support”, which recognizes the importance of listening to survivors and believing their stories, which will support their healing.

Mr. Speaker, I offer thanks to our leaders and advocates who are raising awareness of the devastating effects of sexual violence this week and every week. For decades they have been informing us all on the insidious and widespread issue of sexual violence, while also highlighting the strength and resilience of survivors and communities through incredible events like the Take Back the Night March.

While COVID-19 has meant many of this year’s events have had to be changed, I applaud our community groups for finding ways to adapt and move many activities online.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to continue to educate themselves on the realities of sexual violence and the long-lasting impacts it has on survivors.  Let us keep survivors and their stories not only close to our hearts, but also use their stories as a driving force to create a province free of violence and inequality. Together, we can create the change we want to see.