The Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention will conduct community forums next month to seek input from Islanders on how to prevent and reduce family violence in the province.
The decision to conduct the province-wide public consultations was announced today by Premier Pat Binns and the Honourable Marion Reid, chair of the Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention.
"Islanders are deeply concerned about family violence in our communities. It is a very complex issue that requires a concerted coordinated approach by governments, community organizations and the justice system. The community forums will enable these groups to come together with the public to express their views and make recommendations to government," said the Premier.
The forums will be conducted by the Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention, a committee of 18 community representatives and five government representatives whose mandate is to implement a provincial strategy on family violence prevention and report directly to the Premier on family violence issues. The mandate of the committee is currently being renewed, new members are being asked to serve five-year terms, and a new five-year provincial strategy is being developed.
"The community forums will enable all Islanders to express their concerns and help determine family violence prevention priorities for the next five-year period," said Mrs. Reid. "At the forums, we hope to hear from people at the community level about how we can improve services and support to victims, increase public awareness and understanding, and improve the accountability of our systems."
The forums will be led by the Honourable Marion Reid, representatives of Transition House Association, and the police and justice systems.
The community forums will be held November 5th at Montague High School; November 7th at Souris High School; November 14th at Ecole Francois Buote; November 19th at Athena Consolidated School; November 21st at Ecole Evangeline; and November 28th at West Isle Composite High School.
The forums are open to all Islanders. For information on the consultation process, contact Cindy Ferguson at 902 368 5967, or visit the Prince Edward Island government website at www.gov.pe.ca.