NAN starts education program to stop sexual violence
Nishnawbe Aski Nation has launched a new education campaign to help recognize and prevent sexual violence.
The campaign, called Draw-the-Line, was inaugurated at the NAN women's forum in Thunder Bay on Friday.
“Sexual violence, especially acts against women, is far too common and has devastating impacts on the health and well-being of not only the victims and their families but entire communities,” said Deputy Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler.
The campaign is not limited to First Nation communities, but NAN reports that aboriginal women are almost three times more likely than non-aboriginal women to report having been a victim of a violent crime. It also says sexual assault rates in First Nations communities are seven times higher than in the rest of Canada.
NAN Women's Council spokesperson Jackie Fletcher said Draw-the-Line will help people recognize sexual violence and empower them to make a difference.