PURPLE RIBBON AWARENESS WEEK PROCLAIMED

Released on May 5, 1998

Judy Bradley, minister responsible for the Status of Women today

announced that the week of May 4 to May 10 has been set aside to raise

awareness of violence against women.



Purple Ribbon Awareness Week was requested by the Saskatchewan

Battered Women's Advocacy Network. The Purple Ribbons commemorate

women who have lost their lives as a result of men's violence.



"A strong partnership between government, communities and individuals

is essential to eliminating violence," Bradley said. "We are

committed to working collectively in the areas of prevention,

intervention and healing."



Although awareness of domestic violence has increased in recent years,

it is estimated that one in four women in Saskatchewan has experienced

violence at the hands of a current or former male partner.



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For more information, contact:



Susan Dusel

Women's Secretariat

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-7414