Member’s Statement: Breaking the cycle of men committing violence against women
Mr. Speaker, November 25 was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and tomorrow, Members will participate in a vigil to mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.
According to the federal Department of Justice, men committing violence against women cost Canadian society $7.1-billion every year and untold numbers of broken lives. Often overlooked, is the impact on children who are witness to the assaults on their mothers. It is well established that boys who witness violence in the home are at a higher risk of committing violence against women in adulthood. Sixty-five percent of women seeking shelter in the Transition Houses in our province were witnesses to domestic violence in their homes.
Children who witness violence in the home essentially suffer from PTSD and there is work now demonstrating that this stress can actually effect their brain development.
According to the State of The Child Report (p. 32-33) New Brunswick has a 37% higher rate of children and youths who are victims of family violence than the national average.
To break the cycle of violence, we must invest in the therapeutic treatment of children who have been witnesses or victims of violence in their homes. This must become a priority of this government if we, in this Legislature, are truly committed to end men’s violence towards women. Thank You Mr. Speaker.
David Coon, Fredericton South MLA and Leader of the Green Party
Member’s Statement
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014