QUEEN'S PARK – Francophone women in Ontario will be safer as a result of a new French-language version of a popular campaign to prevent domestic violence.

The Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign – in French, Voisin-es, ami-es et familles – places emphasis on prevention and better community supports for abused women and their children.

The Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign includes:

• A website – neighboursfriendsandfamilies.ca
• Information to help community organizations teach the warning signs of abuse and take action to help
• Brochures and wallet cards in 12 languages in addition to English and French and
• Public service announcements. 

The McGuinty government is providing over $1.2 million to a coalition of French-language agencies to adapt the campaign for Francophone communities. The funds will also be used to train managers and frontline workers to better recognize the signs of abuse and establish a French-language virtual training institute to provide ongoing learning opportunities.

“Our government wants to ensure that services for abused or at-risk women are accessible to all women living in Ontario,” said Matthews. “This funding is part of our commitment to providing better access to French-language services for Francophone women escaping abuse.”

The coalition – Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes (AOcVF) – consists of French-language agencies, workers and survivors involved in the prevention of violence against women. It advocates for action through cooperation between networks in order to better respond to the needs of Francophone women in Ontario in all their diversity.

“This money will go a long way in helping Francophone women experiencing domestic violence,” said Ghislaine Sirois, directrice générale, Action ontarienne contre la violence faite aux femmes. “Our thanks to the Ontario government for supporting these efforts.”

 “Services for French-speaking Ontarians is a priority for the Ontario government,” said Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs Madeleine Meilleur. “Through this funding, the Francophone community can build stronger, safer communities for women fleeing domestic violence.”

Working together with community partners, the McGuinty government has achieved results in preventing violence against women and their children by:

• Spending more than $190 million annually to provide violence against women services across government
• Funding $5.9 million over four years for training, research and conferences to assist professionals in recognizing the signs of domestic violence and provide appropriate supports and referrals

Launching the Equality Rules public education campaign, which teaches youth ages 8 to 14 about healthy, equal and respectful relationships to help break the cycle of violence before it starts. For more information, visit www.equalityrules.ca.

- 30 -

Contacts:
Stephanie Kupiec, Minister’s Office, (416) 212-3394
Michel Payen-Dumont, Communications Branch, (416) 314-7010