Prince Edward Island will recognize Verbal Abuse Prevention Week from October 6-12, 2002. The week is designed to promote safe and non-violent ways of acting in schools and the community. This is the fourth year that Prince Edward Island has hosted Verbal Abuse Prevention Week.
"We know that this week is important in Island schools and communities," said Education Minister Chester Gillan. "Over the past number of years our awareness of the impacts of verbal abuse has risen significantly. Our Island school boards have policies to deal with any instances of verbal abuse, including bullying."
Minister Gillan commended the provincial Home and School Federation for its work in raising awareness and working with schools and parents to ensure the prevention message has a high profile throughout the year.
"The PEI Home and School Federation is doing a wonderful job of ensuring Island students, parents and schools are aware of the effects verbal abuse can have on learning environments in general, and on individual students in particular," said Minister Gillan.
Ken Williams, president of the provincial Home and School Federation pointed out that Tami Martel of Montague has worked hard in raising the profile of verbal abuse and Verbal Abuse Prevention Week is a tribute to her indefatigable efforts. "We are thankful for what she and her husband have done in bringing this about," said Mr. Williams. He also thanked the Minister of Education, schools and school boards in Prince Edward Island for their support.
Schools across PEI participate in Verbal Abuse Prevention Week in a number of ways, including the annual Walk for Peace, hosted by École François-Buote on October 11. Schools also host assemblies with guest speakers and distribute posters and pamphlets to recognize the importance of verbal abuse prevention.