TORONTO — Today, Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services, and Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, released the following statement:
“May marks an important opportunity for us to reaffirm our support for girls and women, and to shine a light on the horrific crime of sexual assault.
1 in 3 women and 1 in 8 men in Canada will experience sexual violence in their lifetime, but many don’t know how to get help.
May is Sexual Assault Prevention Month. Follow @WomenON to find out about free resources and supports.https://t.co/EMQViReP70#SAPM2023 #endVAW pic.twitter.com/SULBjowAG7
— Ontario Women (@WomenON) May 1, 2023
Sadly, statistics show that one in three women and one in eight men in our country will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Sexual assault and gender-based violence have devastating impacts on individuals, families, communities and society as a whole. It is critical that people affected by violence and exploitation receive the supports they need to recover and heal, while offenders are held accountable for their actions through the justice system.
Our government has zero tolerance for sexual assault and other sexual offences, and we are taking action to prevent and address violence against women and gender-based violence in all forms. To support victims, last year alone, our ministry invested more than $250 million for victims of violence and violence prevention initiatives. This investment provides critical services and supports across the province.
We also want to thank our community partners for their work and dedication to helping victims, survivors and their children rebuild their lives.
As we mark Sexual Assault Prevention Month, we encourage people to have conversations with friends, colleagues and family members about how we can all play a role in stopping gender-based violence. Together, we can work towards an Ontario free of violence and full of opportunity for all.”
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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