About the Violence Prevention Initiative
The Violence Prevention Initiative reflects the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment to addressing the problem of violence in this province.
The Initiative is a multi-departmental, Provincial Government-community partnership to find long-term solutions to the problem of violence against those most at risk in our society: women, children and youth, older persons, persons with disabilities, Indigenous women and children, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, persons of varying race or ethnicity and persons of differing economic status.
The Violence Prevention Initiative is coordinated by the Office for the Status of Women and fosters partnerships through collaboration with the Community Advisory Committee and with partner departments and agencies.
Working Together For Violence Free Communities (2015-19)
Vision
The vision of the Violence Prevention Initiative is for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to live, learn and work in a society which is violence free.
Guiding Principles
The Initiative is based on a number of guiding principles:
- People have the right to a safe and secure environment.
- Health, well-being and productivity are enhanced in a violence-free environment.
- The social and cultural roots of violence are based on inequality. Women, children and youth, Indigenous women and children, older persons, persons with disabilities, persons of differing race or ethnicity, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, and persons of differing economic status experience the highest rates of violence.
- Society reinforces violence through expressions of sexism, ageism, classism, heterosexism, racism, ableism and other biased attitudes.
- Violence is a choice and is preventable. There is strong evidence that effective intervention can reduce and prevent violence.
- The prevention of violence is everyone’s responsibility.
- The elimination of violence requires a comprehensive response including prevention, public education, services and enforcement of the law.
- Criminal and other acts of violence and abuse require effective consequences including punishment under the law.