Today in the Legislative Assembly, Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island, tabled the consultation report and five-year strategy of the Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention. This report follows several months of public consultations. The strategy is based on the input received during the community forums and consultations, the ongoing work of the committee, and a synthesis of findings from reports and recommendations concerning family violence conducted in the province since 1980.
"I would like to commend the Community Consultation Working Group and members of the Premier's Action Committee for their hard work and continued commitment to this process," says Premier Binns. "I would also like to thank community members from across the province for attending and participating in the public forums. Community involvement will ensure that this five-year strategy is based on the needs of Islanders."
The Premier's Action Committee on Family Violence Prevention was created in 1995, and this public consultation process reaffirmed the work of the committee and provided direction for future priorities. Premier Binns indicated that the public consultations revealed an increase in understanding and awareness of the issue of family violence and a shift in public response. It also demonstrated a clear commitment by Islanders to assist in addressing family violence.
"Family violence is a serious concern in Prince Edward Island. It is a very complex issue that significantly impacts many aspects of our society," says Premier Binns. "This strategy confirms that addressing family violence in this province requires a coordinated approach by governments, community organizations and the justice system. The participation of many groups and individuals throughout the process clearly demonstrates that there is a commitment to work together to address family violence."
The strategy sets out a framework for collective action to address family violence over the next five years with a number of strategies identified under the following key areas:
- education, awareness and training;
- service delivery;
- partnership and coordination; and
- policy, legislation and enforcement.
"Islanders are passionate about this issue and they really want to help," says the Honourable Marion Reid, chair of the Premier's Action Committee. "This plan provides a framework for all of us to take responsibility for addressing this considerable challenge."
Premier Binns advised the Legislative Assembly that Executive Council recently reappointed members to the Premier's Action Committee for five-year terms. The committee will continue working with government, community groups and law enforcement agencies on the implementation of recommendations.