2006:01 PROTECTION FOR ABORIGINAL WOMEN AND CHILDREN FROM FAMILY VIOLENCE
Whereas: Statistics Canada data July 2005 suggests that violence against aboriginal women is three times that of the national average and affects some 24% of aboriginal women; and
Whereas: there are few readily accessible safe houses/shelters for aboriginal women and their children to seek help within their own culture and traditions when they are victims of family violence; and
Whereas: increased funding for Aboriginal women’s shelters and culturally appropriate services both immediate and long-term are urgently required; therefore be it
Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy support for the development of more safe houses/shelters, on and off reserve, including improved services and programs in their own culture and traditions, for aboriginal women and their children who are victims of family violence; and be it further
Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to work with provincial and territorial governments and with aboriginal organizations and governing bodies to develop and fund more safe houses/shelters, on and off reserve, including programs and services that respect aboriginal culture and traditions, for aboriginal women and their children who are victims of family violence; and be it further
Resolved: that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to engage stakeholders to successfully address the underlying issues contributing to the high rate of family violence within the Aboriginal community, and to increase the capacity of Aboriginal women to break the cycle of family violence.