The Prince Edward Island Advisory Council on the Status of Women is appalled that yet another woman’s life has been tragically claimed by violence, when her death could have been prevented. Each time a woman dies at the hands of a man that she knows, the limitations of the system become painfully obvious.
"I feel overwhelmed and saddened that another terrible crime of this nature has occurred once again on the Island," stated Patricia Roy-Ballem, Advisory Council Chair. "This is a glaring example that the issue of violence against women must be taken seriously by society, by the police and by the justice system."
The PEI Advisory Council wants to see the reform of the entire justice system to ensure there will be zero tolerance for violence against women in our communities. Islanders tend to believe that domestic violence and violence against women are private issues but Statistics Canada tells us that at least 51% of Island women have experienced some form of violence. On PEI, from April 1999 to March 2000, 1,647 women and children used the support services offered by the Transition House Association, which provides shelter and outreach for women and children who are the victims of abuse.
"Violence against women is about power, control, and domination and it seldoms involves parties who are strangers to each other," states Roy-Ballem. "Women are most at risk when they are with a man they know."
The Advisory Council urges individuals and communities to help stop the cycle of violence that is escalating through our Island communities. Contact your provincial and federal politicians to ensure that legislation is amended and enacted to deal appropriately with violence of this nature.
For more information about what you can do to help eradicate violence against women contact the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women, or contact Transition House Association for the name and number of an outreach worker in your community.