FREDERICTON (CNB) – Women and their children in the Shediac-Cap-Pelé-Beaubassin region who are leaving abusive relationships now have access to second-stage housing and support services thanks to a provincial government initiative.

"I am pleased to make this announcement, especially today which marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women," said Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney, who is also minister responsible for the status of women. "Making the decision to leave an abusive relationship is not easy especially when faced with the possibility of having to leave family, friends and the community to access services. By providing rent subsidies for housing and support services, women and children can remain close to their loved ones while getting the help and support they need in their own community."

The second-stage housing program receives funding under the province’s plan to address violence against women. The initiative provides safe, supportive and affordable longer-term housing for women, with or without children, who have experienced abuse. The program is intended to help them work towards personal and economic independence.

The two new units, which constitute the fifth second-stage housing program in the province, are subsidized through the Department of Social Development's Rent Supplement Program at an annual total cost of $9,600. Support services are delivered by staff with the help of $25,000 in funding from the Women's Issues Branch. The Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre Inc. supervises the second-stage housing program.

"It is exciting that the department and the Women's Issues Branch have been able to work together with community partners to make this support service available in a rural community," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz. "Prior to the implementation of the program, victims of abuse who wanted to leave their relationships would have to relocate to areas outside of Shediac for second-stage housing."

The Beauséjour Family Crisis Resource Centre Inc. is a non-profit, community-based organization focusing on the specific needs of individuals and families in the Shediac, Cap-Pelé and surrounding areas. The centre offers a variety of counselling and educational services to victims of violence and to their children.

"Our organization is very pleased to have been approved to offer this initiative and we want to thank the Government of New Brunswick for its important partnership in helping us address violence against women," said Kristal LeBlanc executive director of the centre. "Thanks to this initiative, women leaving abusive situations will now be able to focus on accessing counselling and support services to begin a new life free of abuse, without having to worry about finding a safe and affordable place to live."


25-11-11