The province today, Jan. 31, announced the co-chairs who will lead the development of Nova Scotia’s first sexual violence strategy.

“I am pleased to announce that Jean Flynn and Rene Ross will co-chair the development of this essential and significant strategy,” said Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard.

“There is no place in our society for sexual violence. Together we must do more to prevent sexual violence and take better care of its victims.”

The three-year strategy, which will get $2-million per year, will focus on prevention and services for victims.

“There has been great work done to date by both community and government,” said Ms. Bernard. “This strategy is the next step to ensure we do everything we can to decrease these crimes and ensure victims and their families get better supports.”

Ms. Flynn and Ms. Ross will be on assignment to Community Services from the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

Ms. Flynn was a member of the Action Team on Sexual Violence and Bullying, and contributed to the Domestic Violence Action Plan and the Hyde Inquiry.

Ms. Ross is a strong advocate within the social justice community, bringing attention to many difficult and sensitive issues, including poverty, criminalization and human rights. She has developed internationally recognized public awareness campaigns and critical research adopted by other experts in the field. She just completed a project on women’s economic security in Nova Scotia.

Source: Release