MMFC

Networker The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research Le Centre Muriel McQueen Fergusson pour la recherche sur la violence familiale

Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre Exciting time . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 Message from the Director . . . . .2 News at the MMFC . . . . . . . .2 The Research Corner Projects of the MMFC . . . . . .3 Research Corner Teams of the MMFC . . . . . . . .5 Research Corner Projects Affiliated with MMFC .6 The Education Corner . . . . . .7 The Discussion Corner . . . . . .8 Research Day 2006 of the MMFC . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Community Page . . . . . . . . . .9 Foundation News . . . . . . .11 The Foundation holds Annual General Meeting . . . .11 New Brunswick Silent Witness Project . . . . . . . . . .11 Fund-raising Events . . . . . . .12 MMFF High School Chapters Update . . . . . . . . .13 Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation Award . . . . . . . .13 MMFF Grants Program . . . . .14 Upcoming events . . . . . . . . .15

Exciting time for the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre

court, prosecutions); and to develop regional, national and international forums for dissemination of inter-jurisdictional analyses and program/policy outcomes.

O

Who are the players in the Canadian observatory?

ver the last two years, articles were published in the MMFC Networker about the possibility of developing a national/international network that would focus on the justice system’s response to intimate partner violence. Today we can say that it is now a reality. The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton has been awarded $ 2.1 million dollars from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) under the Strategic Knowledge Clusters program, to establish a network promoting and coordinating multidisciplinary research from across Canada on intimate partner violence and the justice system. An initiative of this magnitude is unique in Canada and intends to be a national conduit between provinces and territories, in both official languages. The Canadian observatory will enable the Alliance of Canadian Research Centres on Violence, partner organizations, and family violence researchers from across Canada, and abroad, to work together more effectively to conduct research and develop initiatives on the justice system’s response to intimate partner violence.

What is the Canadian observatory? The Canadian observatory is a national/international research network emphasizing continued bilingual dialogue and in-depth research on the justice system in all parts of the country and on the impact of its response to intimate partner violence. The Canadian observatory intends to lay the groundwork for standardized national data sets on the justice system's response to intimate partner violence, with particular emphasis on civil legislation and specialized response units (e.g. police, Building the Canadian Observatory

The Director of the Observatory is Dr. Carmen Gill, Director of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research at the University of New Brunswick. At this time coinvestigators involved in the Canadian observatory are: Ms. Rina Arseneault, Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre at UNB; Dr. Helene Berman, School of Nursing and Centre for Research and Education on Violence against Women and Children, University of Western Ontario; Dr. Dominique Damant, École de service social, Université de Montréal; Dr. Myrna Dawson, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, University of Guelph; Dr. Mary Hampton, Department of Psychology, Luther College, University of Regina; Dr. Joseph P. Hornick, Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family (CRILF); Dr. Margaret Jackson, FREDA Centre, Simon Fraser University; Dr. Peter Jaffe, Faculty of Education and Centre for Research on Violence against Women & Children, University of Western Ontario; Dr. Holly Johnson, Department of Criminology at the University of Ottawa; Dr. Nicole Letourneau, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Nursing at UNB and Canada Research Chair in Healthy Child Development. Ms. Lucie Ogrodnik, Family Violence Program, Statistics Canada; Dr. Gilles Rondeau, École de service social, Université de Montréal; Dr. Leslie Tutty, Faculty of Social Work and RESOLVE-Alberta, University of Calgary; Dr. Jane Ursel, RESOLVE Manitoba, University of Manitoba. Collaborators are: Ms. Lise Bellefleur, Violence Prevention Initiatives at the Women’s Issues Branch, Government of New Brunswick; Ms. Elizabeth Moore, Charles Sturt University in Australia; Dr. Angela Ragusa, Charles Sturt University in Australia; Dr. Liz Kelly, Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit at the London Metropolitan University; Ms. Robyn Holder, Department of Justice & Community Safety in Australia. Other international participants are also joining the Canadian observatory. Finally, Dr. Elizabeth Blaney, Research Associate at the MMFC has been designated as the coordinator of the Canadian observatory.

Message from the Director

News at the MMFC

I

M

t is always exciting to talk about what is happening at the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre. At the same time, it is difficult to celebrate when some communities in New Brunswick are struggling with women who were killed by their partner/ex-partner in 2007. The year 2007 began in deep sadness for people at the MMFC as we heard of the death of a woman from the Acadian peninsula who was killed by her ex-partner in January. Later on, in July 2007, another woman was murdered by her common-law partner. This news is telling us, once again, that we are failing in our work and that we have not yet found the best ways to protect and save people’s lives. Femicide is affecting us all in many ways. A woman’s death has an impact on her children, the extended family members, the community and the entire society. Looking back at what happened at the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre this year is definitely tinted by the reality in our communities. We cannot change the past, but we have a responsibility to transform the present and to take action for the future of our communities. This is the challenge everyone at the MMFC is working towards. This year the MMFC is proud to celebrate partnerships established with various communities in Atlantic Canada around diverse projects. For instance, the MMFC along with the Fredericton Police Force, has successfully developed and launched a training program for police officers to support an effective response to intimate partner violence. The MMFC also worked closely with the Acadian and francophone women communities from all Atlantic Provinces to inform and mobilize women around the issue of socioeconomic equity. The MMFC will focus more intently in coming years on the justice system response to intimate partner violence. After two years of intensive work with experts from across Canada, the Canadian observatory has been successfully funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for the next seven years. This means that national and international research projects will take place under the leadership of the MMFC. In order to coordinate the observatory work, we are pleased that Dr. Elizabeth Blaney has accepted a two-year Research Associate position at the MMFC. It is also a pleasure to mention that the MMFC will be holding its third Research Day in November 2007. It is a rendez-vous for everyone interested in intervention and research on family violence issues. I invite you to visit the MMCF webpage for more information. You will also notice on the MMFC webpage the new policy document that is now guiding all research conducted under the MMFC.

ark your calendars - Research Day 2007 will be held on November 2, 2007 at the Wu Centre, UNB Campus. The theme this year - RESEARCH DAY 2007: Resistance and resilience: Helping children and youth survive in the face of family violence. A general public event will be held on November 1, 2007. Dr. Bruce D. Perry from the ChildTrauma Academy will give a public address. Dr. Perry is the Senior Fellow of the ChildTrauma Academy, a Houston-based organization dedicated to research and education on child maltreatment. He is an internationally-recognized authority on children in crisis. Over the last fifteen years, Dr. Perry has been an active teacher, clinician and researcher in children’s mental health and the neurosciences, holding a variety of academic positions. This free event will also be at the Wu Centre and it is open to the general public.

La Rencontre 2007 aura lieu le 2 novembre 2007 au Centre de conférence Wu sur le campus de UNB Fredericton. Le thème de la Rencontre 2007 est « Résistance et résilience : aider les enfants et les adolescents à survivre à la violence familiale ». The MMFC has just developed a new pamphlet. Thanks are extended to the creativity of Michelle Bryar of Yak Design. You can check it out on our website at http://www.unbf.ca/arts/CFVR/. Le nouveau dépliant du CMMF est maintenant disponible en français sur notre page web http://www.unbf.ca/arts/CFVR/. The MMFC is proud of the partnership they have had with the Fredericton Police Force in the last year. Out of this partnership we are happy to announce the launch of our Train-the-Trainer Training Program for police forces in New Brunswick. If interested or you would like more information, do not hesitate to contact us. (more information on this project on page 7) – Plus d’informations disponibles en français concernant le programme de formation sur notre page web. Mark your calendars, the MMFC’s Annual General Meeting will be held on September 24, 2007 at 3pm. Dr. William Patrick will be the keynote speaker. All are welcome to attend. L’assemblée générale annuelle du CMMF aura lieu le 24 septembre 2007 à 15h00. M. William Patrick, Ph.D. sera le conférencier invitée. Tous sont invité. Thank you to Pete Stafford from Cambridge Pen & Design for helping the MMFC and the MMFF to produce this newsletter.

If you wish to know more about the activities and projects mentioned in this newsletter, please do not hesitate to call me (506 452-6367) or to visit our valuable website at http://www.unbf.ca/arts/CFVR/ Carmen Gill, Fall 2007 2

www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3

The Research Corner - Projects of the MMFC New Brunswick Dating Violence Prevention Team recommends multifaceted comprehensive approach to deterrence The following individuals contributed to this research: Lise Bellefleur, E. Sandra Byers, C. Ann Cameron, Anna Campbell, Christien Demoré, Norma Dubé, Marie Dumont, Nicole Duperé, Jeanne Duquette, Jim Dysart, Lyndsay Foster, Wendy Fraser, Robert Gerard, Kerri Gibson, Shannon Glenn, Fran Harris, Margie Layden-Oreto, Mary Ann MacNeil, Marlien McKay, Stacey McKay, Brad McNeil, Andrea Miller, Melissa St. Pierre, Kelley Robinson, John Tingley, Joanne Williams.

T

he Provincial Strategy Team for Dating Violence Prevention was coordinated by Ann Cameron and Sandra Byers of UNB, but benefited from the contributions of a large number of government, community and student researchers. The goal of the Team was to make recommendations for a sustainable comprehensive provincial strategy for youth dating violence prevention in the province of New Brunswick. These recommendations were to be based on an empirical evaluation of dating violence prevention programs conducted with high school students in New Brunswick during the autumn of 2005 by five community-based organizations: Le Centre de prévention de la violence familiale de Kent (CPVFK), Coalition Against Abuse in Relationships/Coalition contre l’abus dans les relations (CAAR), Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (FSACC), and Making Waves/Vague par vague, Inc. (MW/Vpv). The evaluation was designed to be at arm’s length from, yet informed by, the programs, systematic, scientifically rigorous, longitudinal, and to assess diverse areas. Prior to conducting the evaluation, the co-coordinators: (1) established a Provincial Strategy Team for Dating Violence Prevention and a Dating Violence Prevention Consultative Committee to guide the research; (2) articulated a set of goals and objectives for dating violence prevention; (3) developed an evaluation framework for the evaluation; (4) reviewed learning outcomes related to dating violence in the French and English curricula, and (5) created and validated the measurement instruments to be used in the evaluation. In order to determine changes resulting from involvement in the dating violence prevention programs, we administered questionnaires assessing the goals and objectives of the programs. Students receiving each of the programs, as well as students in five comparison schools not receiving any outside programming, completed the questionnaires immediately prior to the program, immediately following implementation of the program, and four months following implementation of the program. These data were used to evaluate changes in students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour due to the curriculum and due to each of the programs. Students in all programs and in the comparison schools showed increases in knowledge. In general, with the

exception of the somewhat select group of students who attended MW/Vpv, participation in these programs produced few changes in attitudes and behaviours. We also found that, compared to boys, girls were more knowledgeable, were somewhat less accepting of dating violence, and evidenced more positive behavioural intentions for dealing with dating violence. Review of the New Brunswick curricula demonstrated that it addresses many of the knowledge goals identified as important to dating violence prevention. However, there were some key goals that are not identified as learning outcomes in the current curricula. The report contains eight recommendations based on these results. You can view the recommendations or the entire report at http://www.unbf.ca/arts/CFVR/research.php. Sandra Byers, Project Co-coordinator, UNB

Evaluation of the Provincial Court - Domestic Violence (Moncton) As part of the provincial violence prevention action plan (A Better World for Women: Moving Forward 20052010), the Province of New Brunswick announced in 2004 that it would implement a specialized court for domestic violence cases; and in 2006 the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre joined the government steering committee responsible for the court’s planning and design. Since then, the MMFC has played a key role by developing the evaluation framework for the court. We are now pleased to be leading the evaluation of Atlantic Canada’s first provincial court specializing in domestic violence cases (Provincial Court – Domestic Violence [Moncton]), which began processing cases in the spring of 2007. The aim of the court is to establish a coordinated response to domestic violence; one in which legal, law enforcement, treatment, victim service, probation and corrections professionals work together to provide effective interventions and ensure victims are supported and that the violent behaviour of offenders is addressed. The court is presided over by Judge Dugas-Horseman and engages a specialized prosecutor, probations officer, and victim service coordinator. The pilot project also involves the use of specialized risk assessment, intervention, and victim safety plan programs, which are key elements in ensuring victim safety and a coordinated justice system response to domestic violence. A three-year evaluation of the court’s implementation is being conducted by the MMFC. The purpose of this evaluation is to describe how the court is implemented, and to assess the functions and processes of the court. In order to discern the impact that a specialized approach has on domestic violence case-processing (for victims, offenders, families, and justice system professionals), we have taken a comparative approach. Domestic violence data is being gathered from two court sites: the Provincial Court – Domestic Violence (Moncton), and the Fredericton provincial court, which is engaged in a conventional court approach. MMFC Networker | Issue #18 | Fall 2007

3

The evaluation methodology consists of three components, and incorporates both qualitative and quantitative elements. The first component involves conducting comparative court observations of domestic violence cases at the specialized court site and in a non-specialized court site. Second, the research team will conduct individual interviews with key informants involved with the court. Finally, the quantitative component will track all cases processed through the Provincial Court – Domestic Violence (Moncton), over the period of 18 months, as well as comparatively tracking domestic violence cases over the same period in a non-specialized court site (Fredericton). For more information on the MMFC’s role in this project, please contact: Heather McTiernan ([email protected]), or Dr. Carmen Gill ([email protected]). Heather McTierman, project coordinator

Intersecting Sites of Violence in the Lives of Girls Intersecting Sites of Violence in the Lives of Girls is a threephase participatory-action research initiative. The overarching purpose of this work is to improve the lives of girls and young women. Intersectionality is important to this project and we have endeavoured to include young women with a range of life experiences. Chillax are focus group discussions being held with girls by girls. To date, all seven sites across the province have held their first and second Chillax sessions. This work has been helped enormously by the support of the adult mentors at each of the seven sites. They provided tremendous encouragement to the peer facilitators and have worked with them throughout the project. The research team, including the young women researchers from each site, will meet in the fall to discuss analysis of the qualitative information and to consider how to inform policy makers about violence in girls' lives. As one of the young woman trained as a “Chillax” group facilitator explained: ‘Intersecting Sites of Violence in the Lives of Girls’ research project has exposed me to women’s and girls’ issues and needs around Canada. It has given me the opportunity to try to make a difference. This project has allowed me to meet many different individuals from

across our country, hear their stories, and share ideas on where to go from here. It has been through hearing girls’ concerns and sharing both my own feelings, and the feelings of those who live in my area, that I have grown as an individual. I have become more educated, and I have learned and experienced more than I ever would have thought possible when I was approached to join the research team about four years ago. In this project, I was able to interact with girls in my rural area though our “Chillax” discussion. I also became a student researcher developing my leadership skills, while having fun. I met incredible women and girls, and was privileged to share in one-of-a-kind discussions with girls in high school who were just waiting for their voices to be heard. As a student mentor, I was trained as a facilitator, and then interacted with young, female participants. In our “Chillax” sessions, I was there to hear their thoughts, views, and experiences of violence. This was the ultimate ‘girl talk’. Lots of snacks and pizza were there for girls to munch on while we discussed these topics with one another. It has been through these girls and others across Canada that I have been able to fully and deeply understand the state of women’s issues in our country. Each and every single young woman experiences some sort of violence in her life and they each have a story to tell. I have been privileged to be part of this process. From here, I hope and pray that this valuable research and insight into girls’ lives will only lead to change, and make this country a better place for everyone. Amanda Densmore, youth researcher

Evaluation of the New Brunswick Violence and the Workplace Toolkit The MMFC with the members of the New Brunswick Family Violence and the Workplace Committee received funding from the Crime Prevention Strategy Program to evaluate the Family Violence – It’s Your Business: A Workplace Toolkit. This will be qualitative research. The data will help determine the scope and nature of the effectiveness of the Toolkit. More specifically, we hope to: • assess whether the workplaces have become safer and more respectful environments as the result of using the Toolkit; • evaluate whether the Toolkit expanded the awareness and preparedness of employers and employees to deal with victims of family violence; • evaluate the response of employees, managers, employers and union members in the workplace, and service providers working in the area of family violence, to the workplace violence prevention initiatives proposed in the Toolkit;

Meeting with young girls in Montreal 4

www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3

• determine the kinds of policies, practices and programs that were implemented as a result of using the Toolkit; • identify the processes that were used to successfully introduce elements of the Toolkit and set these out as “best practices” that can be shared with other businesses interested in using the Toolkit. To help with the coordination of the research, the committee hired Darcy Elliot as research assistant and Melanie Gallant to assist with the francophone interviews. Another objective of this project is to undertake a comprehensive approach to implementing family violence information and education strategies within the workplace. In order to achieve this goal, Marian Hernandez was hired as the project coordinator. We also made revisions and a reprinting of the Toolkit. For more information about this evaluative study, contact Rina Arseneault, [email protected] or Deborah Doherty, [email protected] For further information on the Toolkit or if you would like to receive a copy of these materials please visit our website www.toolkitnb.ca Marian Hernandez, project coordinator & Darcy Elliot, research assistant.

Research Corner – Research Teams of the MMFC Religion and Violence e-Learning (RAVE) Project: Web-based action to reduce abuse

F

or more than 15 years, Nancy Nason-Clark has been examining the story of what happens when religious people look to their faith communities for help in the aftermath of violence in the family context. For the past five years Lanette Ruff and Barbara Fisher-Townsend have been working as part of Nancy’s Religion and Violence Team at the MMFC, and for the past year they have worked full-time on the RAVE project. Religion is an integral part of the context of many, indeed most, people’s lives. It is important then to emphasize that just as domestic violence knows no boundaries of class or color, it also has no boundaries related to religious persuasion. Yet many religious groups have been slow to acknowledge the prevalence of violence in their midst, despite the recognition by psychologist Weaver (1993: 402) that “domestic violence is probably the number one pastoral mental health emergency.”1 Many have claimed that there are specific religious contours both to the abuse that is suffered and to the healing journey. Yet, amongst professionals in the secular therapeutic community, there is general agreement that many do not like to work with clients who are particularly religious. In a similar vein, there are religious professionals

who are slow to refer their parishioners who have been abused to outside sources of help, believing that a secular shelter is an unsafe place to claim faith. There can be suspicion on both sides, and sometimes the voices of the caregivers drown out the voices of the victims. For collaborative ventures between the steeple and the shelter to be successful, personnel operating from a secular or sacred paradigm must be willing to see that the condemnation of domestic violence requires both the language of contemporary culture and the language of the spirit. The RAVE initiative combines research, training and advocacy in new and innovative ways to build bridges to effect change – between churches and their leaders and community organizations working to eliminate family violence. The project is committed to using the most current webbased technologies to allow information access from the privacy of one’s office or home. Currently we offer resources to faith leaders and communities dealing with issues of domestic violence, provide training for clergy members related to best practices, and provide a forum for a variety of perspectives to be offered, both sacred and secular, on the numerous issues and questions that arise around family violence. An important part of our site is the “Help Now” section that offers easy, convenient access to contact information for all transition shelters in North America. In October 2007 the RAVE site will be highlighted in an American television documentary series on religion and abuse produced by Day of Discovery. We would be delighted to have feedback on the site (www.theraveproject.org) from anyone interested. Nancy Nason-Clark, coordinator 1. Andrew Weaver, "Psychological Trauma: What Clergy Need to Know," Pastoral Psychology 41(1993): 385-408. Organizational Strategies for Bullying Reduction The purpose of this study is to help organizations find more effective ways to prevent and remediate workplace bullying and to reduce negative effects experienced by employees and employers. The Team received funding from the Crime Prevention Partnership Program, National Strategy on Community Safety and Crime Prevention in June 2006 and have completed the first two phases of the study. The first phase involved conducting 24 key informant interviews with people who had responsibility for addressing workplace bullying within their organizations. These interviewees represented unions and public, private, and not-for-profit sector organizations of various sizes. After analyzing these interviews, a report was sent to the interviewees and the analysis was used as the basis for the second phase of the study that took place during the winter of 2007. This involved holding a series of facilitated learning circles with a group of those key informants interested in exploring in more depth some of the more persistent and challenging issues involved in addressing workplace bullying and developing MMFC Networker | Issue #18 | Fall 2007

5

strategies to address them. The Team is currently analyzing the data from that phase, preparing a report to participants, and identifying areas in which further elaboration may be needed. The next step will be to develop practical tools that will assist organizations in more effective workplace bullying prevention, intervention, and post intervention. Research conducted by the Workplace Violence and Abuse Team of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre on Family Violence Research, co-chaired by Judith MacIntosh and Marilyn Noble. Judith MacIntosh and Marilyn Noble, research team co-coordinators

potential geographical challenges in terms of service access and delivery in a province where roughly half of the population resides in a rural area. The full results of the study will be released in the fall of 2007. The hope is that this information, coupled with the findings of the Premier’s Community Nonprofit Task Force, will contribute to more informed decision-making and dialogue on the future of service provision by charitable organizations in New Brunswick. For more information on this project, please contact the project coordinator, Heather McTiernan ([email protected]), or Dr. Luc Thériault ([email protected]). Heather McTiernan, project coordinator

Research Corner – Research Projects Affiliated with MMFC UNB Researchers Study NB’s Charitable Health & Welfare Sector

R

elative to their vital contribution to our population’s well-being, little is known about charitable organizations in the province of New Brunswick their activities and challenges, the capacity of the sector, and its role in the economy, for example. In 2004, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council provided funding for a team of social scientists, led by Drs Carmen Gill and Luc Thériault of the University of New Brunswick, to conduct a three-year study of the province’s charitable human service sector. The study, which draws data from nearly 300 organizations, is the first in-depth survey of its kind in New Brunswick, and adds to the growing research effort to better understand the contribution of human services by what is now commonly referred to as the “third sector.” The research focus is specifically on charitable human service organizations, one of the fastest growing service providers in the non-profit sector. Therefore, organizations serving women, children, and families were among the respondents to the survey. Some examples include women’s shelters, mothering support organizations, and organizations providing violence prevention outreach programs. The research focus of the New Brunswick-based survey has been on: the types of activities and services organizations are providing, their governance structures, accountability practices, spatial distribution, financial resources, and gender. Early analysis of results has provided insight into the sector and its challenges. For example, we know that the province’s organizations tend to be small (generally less than 10 staff), and that when it comes to human resources, the sector is overwhelmingly female (on average, 80% of organizations’ workforce are women). The study has also provided data to support the common sentiment that many organizations in the sector are in financial crisis (financial resources were the primary challenge and limitation in providing services for the majority of organizations). Results also point to some

6

Asking for Directions MVART, the Male Violence Action Research Team, began with the idea of “asking for directions” in late 2006. Concerned with research that will inform and be a basis for community action to eliminate violence against women, members and interested parties of this project have worked in affiliation with the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, MensWork, and Aboriginal consultants to hold three public consultations (Francophone, Anglophone and Aboriginal) in the province of New Brunswick between April 2007 and June 2007 with the help of some funding from the University Research Fund (UNB), the Women’s Issues Branch Community Action Fund, the Summer Employment and Experience Development (SEED) program, and the Canada Summer Jobs program. The purpose of these sessions was to generate discussion and relevant research questions that academic members of the team will pursue in an upcoming Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) application. The team sought to identify from those who attended the meetings: “What information is needed to gather in order to have a better understanding of the role men need to play in reducing, and ultimately eliminating, violence against women?”, “What works and what doesn’t work within the present situation with respect to the role men need to play in reducing, and ultimately eliminating, violence against women?”, and “What are the issues that should be a top priority to be addressed in a research agenda on the role men need to play in eliminating violence against women?”. Feedback came from both the professional community and the everyday concerned

www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3

citizen. An inclusive report is to be published on the results of the consultations in the fall of 2007 and will be available to view both in print and on the MMFC website. The co-leaders of MVART are Dr. Luc Thériault (Sociology, UNB) and Dr. William Patrick. Active members of the team include Rina Arseneault of the MMFC, Bob Stranach, Miguel LeBlanc and Tim Gallagher of MensWork. Emma Cunningham is the Project Coordinator for the group and Tricia Lofstrom is the Research Assistant. A great deal of support has been provided by Barb Martin and Reni Han of Han Martin Associates for their willingness to work with the team on behalf of the Aboriginal community. Interested parties include Lorraine Whalley (Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre), Jeff Landine (Counselling Services, UNB) and Dr. Nicole Letourneau (Nursing, UNB) as well as a variety of other organizations and individuals. MVART is extremely happy to be involved in a project with the MMFC and looks forward to rewarding outcomes from this important research. Emma Cunningham, project coordinator

The Education Corner L’équité socio-économique et les femmes acadiennes et francophones des provinces atlantiques Comité d’analyse : Louise d’Entremont (Fédération des femmes acadiennes de la N-É.), Marie-Claude Rioux (Femmes Action, N.-É.), Colette Arsenault (Association des femmes acadiennes et francophones de l’Î.P.É), Josée Gallant (stagiaire FÉA, Î.P.É.), Murielle Malouin (Groupe Femmes francophones de l’ouest du Labrador), Francine Couture (Terre-Neuve), Rina Arseneault (présidente de FÉA, N-.B), Nancy Benoit (coordinatrice du projet).

L

e volet IV « Se faire entendre » de Femme Équité Atlantique est en cours depuis octobre 2006 et doit se terminer en septembre 2007. Le volet IV vise à consolider les activités amorcées et à favoriser une prise en charge collective, par les femmes, des dossiers liés à la problématique de l’absence d’équité socio-économique de leur milieu. Deux objectifs sont poursuivis afin de réaliser ce volet : Objectif 1 : Accroître la capacité des femmes et de leurs allié(e)s d’agir de façon concertée dans le but d’apporter les changements nécessaires relatifs à la problématique de l’absence d’équité socio-économique. Objectif 2 : Accroître la crédibilité de Femmes Équité Atlantique, des groupes de femmes et de leurs partenaires qui oeuvrent pour l’obtention de l’équité socio-économique.

Pour atteindre ces objectifs, une analyse inclusive des Plans de développement global des communautés acadiennes et francophones des quatre provinces atlantiques sera réalisée. Si vous voulez plus d’information sur le comité ou le travail qu’il effectue vous pouvez contacter Mme Rina Arseneault, (506) 458-7137 ou FÉ[email protected]

Understanding the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence: Helping Police Officers to Better Intervene Since 2006 the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre (MMFC) and the Fredericton Police Force have worked in partnership to develop “Understanding the Impact of Intimate Partner Violence: Helping Police Officers to Better Intervene” – a training program to support those who are in a position to train police officers about the dynamics of and effective response to intimate partner violence. The project was funded by the National Crime Prevention Strategy and has also received funding from the Women’s Issues Branch, Executive Council. Fern Paul, graduate student, was the project coordinator until January, 2007. Rina Arseneault acted as liaison between MMFC, Fredericton Police Force, and a community-wide representative Advisory Committee. Elizabeth Blaney supervised the content of the training. Intervening in situations of intimate partner violence is one of the most difficult aspects of policing and police officers are often the first members of the law enforcement system to be encountered by victims. Successful interventions rely on effective practices. This training provides police officers with a better understanding of the dynamics of intimate partner violence, such as what it is, why it occurs, the process of ending abuse, and the impact that it has on the lives of individuals (victims, abusers, and children). It examines police officers’ intervention from receiving a 911 call, to charging and assessing the risk of lethal violence, to report writing. It also focuses on how police officers are impacted by their interventions. The training manual is organized in a train-the-trainer design. Organizing the training in this format means that once police officers have taken the training, they will have the tools to train others in their workplace. In the manual police officers find training support materials and a workshop guide, all of which have been created to help them to develop and deliver workshops to their peers. The words of Fredericton Police Force’s Deputy Chief, Leanne Fitch, echo the importance of this training. She stated: MMFC Networker | Issue #18 | Fall 2007

7

"Police response to situations of intimate partner violence requires a unique set of skills and competencies in order for the police to be successful in their intervention. Calls of this nature have the potential to be damaging on many levels, volatile, and in some cases fatal for the victim, as well as the responding officers. The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Center for Family Violence Research, in partnership with the Fredericton Police Force, has developed this important training to provide police officers with the tools and the knowledge to better intervene in a safe, effective and compassionate way. This training is fully endorsed by our organization and we hope that other agencies across the country will adopt this as a model training guide for their police and civilian employees." In November, 2006 four police officers of the Fredericton Police Force received the train-the-trainer training. These trainers are: Detective Corporal Michael Berry, Detective Melissa Collins, Corporal Michael Hudson, and Constable Andrea Joyce. In December, 2006, these trainers successfully piloted the training in a two-day event, composed of 14 officers of the Fredericton Police Force, two members of UNB Security, and two Military Police from CFB Gagetown. In June 2007 the training package was launched to the broader community. Training can now be delivered in English or French. For more information on the training program, contact the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre, at 453-3595 ([email protected]).

Discussion Focused on How Men Can Reduce Violence Against Women There is a growing awareness that men can play a significant role in ending violence against women. To further explore this issue, the MMFC and the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women held an informal discussion on how men can participate in reducing violence against women. Led by Bernard Richard, New Brunswick ombudsman, lawyer, and former social worker, the event took place on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at the Wilmot United Church in Fredericton. Men's anti-violence programs are formed on the understanding that violence against women hurts society and that men can have an important influence on reducing violence by changing their own attitudes and behavior and by intervening to prevent other men's violence. The discussion looked at these and other issues.

Elizabeth Blaney, research associate

The Discussion Corner Identifying, Assessing and Treating Male Perpetrators and Abused Women

O

n October 25 2006, Dr. Leslie Tutty, Academic Coordinator of RESOLVE-Alberta and professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Calgary, gave a lecture at the MMFC as part of the 2006 Discussion Series. Dr. Tutty discussed approaches to research, treatment, and program evaluations in regards to “Identifying, Assessing and Treating Male Perpetrators and Abused Women”. Dr. Tutty stressed the need for clinical models on how to identify individuals who are victims of violence and how to identify the need for further assessments that include current and historical contexts. Dr. Tutty interacted with the audience and offered clinical information. As always, Dr. Tutty shared her passion and knowledge for the issue. Her dynamic presentation was appreciated by a diverse group of intervenors, academics and students. It was timely for the MMFC to have such a presentation, as the provincial government is developing the Specialized Domestic Violence Court in New Brunswick. Dr. Tutty offered an opportunity to reflect on our own practices.

8

Colleen MacQuarrie & Lori Weeks, UPEI.

Research Day 2006 of the MMFC

L

ast year’s Research Day was entitled “Lifespan Perspectives on Woman Abuse: Preventing Abuse and Rebuilding Lives”. The event was a great success. A total of 75 participants took part in the Research Day, held on November 3, 2006 at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel. Dr. Joan Harbison from the School of Social Work at Dalhousie University delivered the keynote address entitled: How do we know what older women want? Understanding responses to violence, mistreatment and neglect. Her presentation set the tone for an informative and diverse day of sharing between practitioners, academics and students. Thank you to Colleen MacQuarrie and Lori Weeks from UPEI for organizing and hosting the 2006 Research Day. Their commitment towards the research Day has generated enthusiasm and interest to conduct research on family violence issues.

www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3

Community Page La violence conjugale, comment la démystifier?

E

n janvier 2007, la population de la Péninsule acadienne et les gens d’ailleurs dans la province sont interpellés par un drame de violence conjugale : une femme est décédée. On en parle, on se questionne, on ose certains commentaires, on essaie de comprendre les raisons d’un geste si grave, si inexplicable. Certains iront jusqu’à tenter de trouver des raisons ou des excuses à cette violence. On entendra des commentaires réfléchis dans lesquels on dénoncera cette violence. Malheureusement, on entendra aussi des commentaires plutôt gratuits qui nous laisseront croire à une certaine banalisation de la violence conjugale. Pourtant, depuis 1990, plus de 26 femmes ont perdu leur vie suite à un acte de violence conjugale, au Nouveau-Brunswick. C’est quoi la violence conjugale? À tous les jours, à toutes les heures, à toutes les minutes, une femme est victime de violence dans notre région, dans notre communauté ou dans notre province. La violence conjugale est un exercice abusif de pouvoir par lequel le conjoint cherche à contrôler sa conjointe en l’obligeant à adopter des comportements conformes à ses propres désirs. Il y a différentes formes de violence : physique, psychologique, verbale, spirituelle, sexuelle et économique. La personne violente se donne le droit de contrôler et d’exercer un pouvoir sur l’autre personne par ses gestes ou par ses paroles. La personne violente va souvent utiliser l’intimidation, les critiques et les menaces pour s’assurer du contrôle sur sa victime. La violence conjugale est plutôt une prise de contrôle qu’une perte de contrôle. Chez la femme, la peur, l’isolement, la perte d’estime de soi, le manque de moyens financiers ou de ressources externes sont souvent des obstacles considérables pour elle à se sortir de cette relation abusive. Les victimes de violence conjugale se trouvent dans toutes les classes socio-économiques et dans toutes les cultures, et peu importe le sexe, la violence est inacceptable. Dans la plupart des régions de la province, des services existent pour les femmes et les enfants victimes de violence conjugale et familiale ainsi que pour les hommes violents. En 2006, dans la Péninsule acadienne, les Services à la famille de la Péninsule et son programme CHOIX a donné un service de thérapie à 34 hommes violents, à 49 femmes victimes de violence et à 27 enfants exposés à cette violence. L’Accueil Sainte-Famille, maison d’hébergement pour femmes victimes de violence conjugale, a accueilli plus de 45 femmes et 40 enfants exposés à cette violence. Aux proches de Simone Boudreau et à toutes les familles qui ont perdu un être cher dans un contexte de violence conjugale, nos pensées sont avec vous. L’équipe d’intervenants du programme en violence conjugale de Services à la famille de la Péninsule, organisme membre de la Table de Concertation pour

contrer la violence conjugale et familiale dans la Péninsule acadienne. Martine Haché, membre de l’équipe d’intervenants, programme en violence conjugale de Services à la Famille de la Péninsule.

Updates from the Women’s Issues Branch 2007 The Women’s Issues Branch, under the umbrella of the violence prevention initiatives, has been busy working with their community and government partners to implement several action items delineated under the “A Better World for Women – Moving Forward 2005-2010” action plan. The following is a sample of some of the work completed to date. Domestic Violence Court Moncton was selected as the site for implementation of a specialized court dealing specifically with domestic violence cases. The court commenced operations on April 12, 2007. Judge Anne Dugas-Horsman is the presiding judge Outreach Services Spring 2007 saw five New Brunswick communities/ regions (Kent County, Bathurst, Fredericton, Shediac, Miramichi) implement or expand outreach services for victims of domestic violence. Outreach workers will provide a range of services not limited to providing information, safety planning, referrals to other agencies/services, counseling, accompaniment of victims to appointments, etc. Programs for Child Witnesses of Woman Abuse Spring 2007 also saw five communities/regions (Saint John, Acadian Peninsula, Woodstock, Charlotte County, Moncton) receive funding to implement group intervention programs for child witnesses of woman abuse and their mothers. The program is designed to operate concurrent groups for children and their mothers. Training on the program was delivered in January 2007 to over 80 front-line community partners. Communities will begin delivering groups in the fall. Expansion of Sexual Assault Services The Women’s Issues Branch, in partnership with the Fredericton Sexual Assault Centre and communities across the province, is building a strong voice for sexual assault prevention and enhancement of sexual assault services. Some of the current and upcoming activities of this exciting initiative are: • a training forum in Fredericton on November 13,14 for those interested in enhancing sexual assault services in their community and networking with other communities; • a provincial scan on sexual assault to be used to enhance community capacity to offer sexual assault services and programs; and, present a larger picture of sexual assault in New Brunswick.

MMFC Networker | Issue #18 | Fall 2007

9

Advisory Committee on Violence Against Aboriginal Women In 2006, the Minister responsible for the Status of Women established the Advisory Committee on Violence Against Aboriginal Women. The current work of the Advisory Committee consists of identifying priority issues of Aboriginal women in the province of New Brunswick, and developing an action plan. For more information on the violence prevention initiatives undertaken, please consult our updated website at http://www.gnb.ca/0012/violence/index-e.asp Executive Council Office-Women’s Issues Branch

Compte rendu de la Direction des questions féminines pour 2007 Relevant de la Direction des questions féminines, l’Unité des initiatives portant sur la prévention de la violence est occupée à travailler avec ses partenaires communautaires et gouvernementaux à la mise en oeuvre de diverses mesures présentées dans le plan d’action intitulé Un monde meilleur pour les femmes : Aller de l’avant 2005 2010. Vous trouverez ci dessous un aperçu des travaux réalisés à ce jour. Tribunal chargé des causes de violence conjugale Un nouveau tribunal chargé expressément des causes de violence conjugale a ouvert ses portes à Moncton le 12 avril 2007. Ce tribunal provincial spécialisé entend les affaires pénales du district judiciaire de Moncton. Le tribunal est présidé par la juge Anne Dugas Horsman. Services d’approche Au printemps 2007, cinq localités ou régions (le comté de Kent, Bathurst, Fredericton, Shediac et Miramichi) ont mis en oeuvre des services d’approche pour les victimes de violence conjugale ou élargi les services déjà offerts. Les travailleurs d’approche offrent toute une gamme de services (p. ex. : renseignements, planification en vue d’assurer la sécurité des victimes et de leur famille, renvoi des clients vers d’autres organismes ou services, counseling et accompagnement des victimes à leurs rendez vous).

Programmes à l’intention des enfants témoins de violence à l’égard des femmes Au printemps 2007, cinq localités ou régions (Saint John, la Péninsule acadienne, Woodstock, le comté de Charlotte et Moncton) ont reçu des fonds pour mettre en ?uvre un programme d’intervention collective à l’intention des enfants témoins de violence à l’égard des femmes et de leur mère. Ce programme prévoit la formation d’un groupe pour les enfants et d’un groupe pour leur mère qui se réunissent simultanément. Une formation sur le programme a été offerte en janvier 2007 à plus de 80 intervenants de première ligne étant des partenaires communautaires. Les groupes commenceront à se réunir à l’automne. Élargissement des services aux victimes d’agression sexuelle La Direction des questions féminines, en collaboration avec le Centre pour les victimes d’agression sexuelle de Fredericton et différentes localités de la province, exprime haut et fort le besoin de services de prévention d’agressions sexuelles et l’amélioration des services aux victimes de telles agressions. Voici quelques-unes des activités en ?uvre et à venir dans le cadre de ce projet passionnant : • Séance de formation à l’intention des personnes désirant améliorer les services aux victimes d’agression sexuelle dans leur localité et réseauter avec des représentants d’autres localités (les 13 et 14 novembre à Fredericton); • Examen sommaire de la situation de l’agression sexuelle au Nouveau Brunswick en vue d’accroître la capacité des localités à offrir des services et programmes à l’intention des victimes d’agression sexuelle et de pouvoir présenter une vue d’ensemble de la situation au Nouveau Brunswick; Comité consultatif sur la violence faite aux femmes autochtones En 2006, la ministre responsable de la Condition féminine, a établit le comité consultatif sur la violence faite aux femmes autochtones. Actuellement, ce comité s’occupe de cerner les priorités des femmes autochtones au Nouveau Brunswick et d’élaborer un plan d’action en conséquence. Pour plus d’information, veillez consulter notre site internet : http://www.gnb.ca/0012/violence/index-f.asp Bureau du Conseil exécutif - Direction des questions féminines

10 www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3

Foundation News Joining together for answers (1985-2007) The Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to the elimination of family violence through support of action-orientated research, public education and awareness initiatives. For more information, please contact: Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation PO Box 50 000. 678 Windsor Street UNB Campus, Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2 Phone: 1(506)472-5085 Toll free: 1(888)673-6633 (mmff) Fax: 1(506)472-5084 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mmff.ca

The Foundation holds Annual General Meeting

AGM MEETING SPEAKERS LEFT TO RIGHT: THERESE MURRAY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; GUEST SPEAKERS LANETTE RUFF AND BARBARA FISHER TOWNSEND, DR. DAVID BESNER, PRESIDENT. PHOTO BY: MICHAEL NOWLAN

A

GM guest speakers, Barbara Fisher Townsend, Ph.D. and Lanette Ruff, Ph.D. presented an overview on: Rave "Religion and Violence e-learning": a training model for pastors and their congregations related to collaborative community based integrated responses.

NFVPM SIGNING WITH PREMIER LEFT TO RIGHT: THERESE MURRAY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; PREMIER GRAHAM; DR. DAVID BESNER PRESIDENT. PHOTO BY: MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY LTD

November Family Violence Prevention Month Premier Bernard Lord signs the 15th Annual Family Violence Prevention Month Declaration. The month is recognized by municipalities with grassroots initiatives and community Proclamations.

As it is still in the developmental phase, their developers have provided them with a registration feature. To complete this process, click on the registration link at the bottom of the login page and fill in the required fields. An email will be sent to the RAVE inbox and they give you complete access to all resources on the website. If you have any questions or comments, please contact: [email protected] or by telephone at 506-451-6957 or [email protected] or at 506-451-6978. www.theraveproject.org. More information can be found on page 5.

New Brunswick Silent Witness Project: To Remember, To Create Awareness, To Promote Action

T

he New Brunswick Silent Witness Committee continues to work with families and community groups helping create silhouettes for New Brunswick domestic homicide victims. The response to learn more about the project continues from across Canada. New Brunswick and PEI Silent Witness Committee members presented at the Atlantic Police Academy in Summerside, PEI this past February. Silent Witnesses from both provinces were presented to over 100 cadets from the Police Academy and related fields, Corrections and Customs officers. MMFC Networker | Issue #18 | Fall 2007 11

The New Brunswick Silent Witness Committee is a collaborative partnership with the Charlotte County Family Violence Committee (CCFVC), the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research (MMFC), the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation (MMFF) and the Provincial Caring Partnerships Committee (PCPC).

beings; albeit with special needs that call for protection from the legal system. The Chief Justice will discuss how the law protects children, for example through imposition of tort liability for child abuse, protection of the child's right to medical care, protection of the best interests of the child in custody and access cases, etc.

Now Available: A bilingual National Guide entitled, How to start your own Silent Witness Project; Bilingual Silent Witness car magnets $5 / each. Coming soon, The Silent Witness website www.silentwitness.ca. For more information on the Silent Witness project, contact the FVRC, 506-453-3595.

Fund-raising Events Rt. Hon. Madame Justice Beverley McLachlin, PC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada coming to New Brunswick

GUEST SPEAKER: Rt. Hon. Madame Justice Beverley McLachlin, PC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada (PHOTO SUBMITTED)

MMFF GALA DINNER 2007 NEWS CONFERENCE PHOTO BY: DANIEL ST. LOUIS PHOTOGRAPHY

T

he Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation announced recently Rt. Hon. Madame Justice Beverley McLachlin, PC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada as the MMFF 2007 Gala Dinner keynote speaker this October. The Gala Dinner will be held at the Delta Beauséjour in Moncton on Tuesday, October 23rd as a kick-off for November Family Violence Prevention Month, a provincial initiative of the Foundation. The Foundation Gala Dinner chair, Linda White, was excited about the prospect of the Chief Justice’s visit to New Brunswick and hearing her keynote address. “As Chief Justice, she is certainly aware of the impact family violence has on the fragile fabric of society and has a powerful message to share. Much has been accomplished over the years but we still have family violence haunting us every day across the country. By being exposed to the Chief Justice’s message we can better appreciate how complex an issue it is.” The Gala Dinner theme "Respecting Our Children: The Law Takes Note” will look at the evolution in the law's treatment of children, from treatment of children as "property" to treatment today as autonomous human

“The law evolves”, states the Chief Justice, “but the law alone is not enough to improve the lives of children, particularly when it comes to addressing the problem of family violence. We must work together as communities to address the root causes of family violence. Through research and public education the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation gives communities the tools to change the lives of women and children; the tools to make families safe places for all of their members.” The Foundation is pleased that Michelle Carinci, CEO of Atlantic Lottery Corporation, has accepted the key responsibility of Community Co-Chair. His Honour, Herménégilde Chiasson, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, will join as the dinner's Honourary Chair. Barbara Quigley, City Clerk for the City of Moncton and James Lockyer, of the Faculté de droit, Université de Moncton and former Foundation Vice-President and Board member, are the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening. The Foundation is pleased to acknowledge the support of Platinum sponsors: Atlantic Lottery Corporation, The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, The University of New Brunswick, and Moncton Times Transcript; Gold sponsors: Bristol, Marwood, and Sitel; Silver sponsors: Aliant, Atlantic Ballet Theatre of Canada; Centrebeam, Emera, NB Liquor, Province of New Brunswick Women’s Issues Branch, and Stewart McKelvey; Friends sponsors, Delta Beauséjour, Isomni Solutions, New Brunswick Union and Spielo; and Patron sponsors:, ADP, Caisse populaire, Magic 104, Mt. Allison University, Technology Venture Corporation and Trius Group.

12 www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3

Join Muriel’s Mission and attend the Gala Dinner on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at the Delta Beauséjour in Moncton. Transportation provided by Trius Group. Tickets can be purchased at a cost of $125.00 each (a taxable receipt for $75.00 will be issued). Contact the Foundation office for further information or to purchase a ticket: 1(888)673MMFF (6633) or www.mmff.ca.

behalf of women, children and vulnerable populations and as the champion behind the province’s first Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

MMFF Award 2007 LEFT TO RIGHT: T. Murray, D. Parkinson, M. DelaneyLeBlanc..C. Boldon. Photo: Mullin’s Photography Ltd. MURIEL BELL PAINTING (PHOTO BY MULLINS PHOTOGRAPHY LTD) Fredericton based artist Muriel Bell, has agreed to have her inspirational piece entitled, Illuminator: Justice and Women’s Initiative, which the Foundation affectionately calls Muriel’s Mission, stand as the signature piece for the fall Gala Dinner. The original work hangs within the Foundation’s home at the Centre for Family Violence Research on UNB Campus, 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB.

MMFF High School Chapters Update

In accepting the award Delaney-LeBlanc said, “Given her outstanding contribution to the advancement of women, being associated with the name of Muriel McQueen Fergusson is in itself very rewarding. And it is with great pride and a lot of modesty that I’m joining the list of the Foundation’s award recipients with such illustrious people as June Callwood and Her Excellency Margaret Norrie McCain, to name only a few." Hosting the reception was the Honourable Herménégilde Chiasson, New Brunswick’s Lieutenant Governor whose office is recognized for being very supportive of community volunteerism and non-profit organizations throughout the province.

B

ernice McNaughton High School from Moncton will soon join MMFF High School Chapters Fredericton, Harvey and Oromocto. These student driven groups continue to organize public education and awareness events on family violence within their school settings. In addition, school principals proclaim November Family Violence Prevention Month. For more information on these groups or their work, contact the Foundation office.

Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation Award

M

adeleine Delaney-LeBlanc, social justice activist and founding chair of New Brunswick’s Advisory Council on the Status of Women (ACSW) was presented with the 15th Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation Award. The Award, presented annually, is named in honor of the Foundation’s patron, Muriel McQueen Fergusson. Madeleine was selected as recipient for her life’s work on

Lieutenant-Governors of New Brunswick LEFT TO RIGHT: Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain, MMFF Lifetime Member, Hon. Herménégilde Chiasson, Sen. Marilyn Trenholme Councell Photo by: Mullin’s Photography Ltd. MMFC Networker | Issue #18 | Fall 2007 13

The Foundation makes a donation to a registered charity of the recipient’s choice, whose objectives further the goals of the Foundation. Madeleine Delaney-LeBlanc’s choice is theMuriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research (MMFC). "We have made a lot of progress in reacting to family violence and in educating young women in not accepting it, but I don't think we have made a dent in the incidence. We have not yet discovered the deep causes of violence against women, what motivates it. That's why I think that research is so needed to find elements of lasting progress.” said Delaney-LeBlanc. The goal of the MMFC is to understand family violence and generate effective action strategies to reduce and eventually eliminate it. The Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation and UNB established the MMFC in 1992. It works in collaboration with St. Thomas University, l`Université de Moncton and other universities across Canada, numerous community organizations and government agencies. (http://www.unbf.ca/arts/CFVR/index.php) “In her acceptance speech for the award, Madame Delaney-LeBlanc placed an emphasis on the continued need for research that can help to inform the actions aimed at preventing family violence within our communities”, stated Award Chair David Parkinson. “Her choice of recipient is in keeping with those sentiments and will help to support the MMFC’s ongoing work in this truly important field.”

MMFF Grants Program

T

he 2007 MMFF Grants program funding decisions will be announced in late September. Officially established in 1992, the program provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations which research the causes, incidences and forms of family violence; promote effective intervention; and support educational programs that increase public awareness about this pervasive problem. A grant to a maximum of $3,000 is awarded per organization. For more information and the 2008 deadline please visit our website: http://www.mmff.ca/mmff/en/programs/grants.aspx Grants 2006 recipients include: • UPEI Dept. Family and Nutritional Services – Research Day 2006, Charlottetown, PEI • Kent Centre for the Prevention of Family Violence, St. Anne-de-Kent (Kent County), NB • In Home Early Intervention Program – Saint John, NB • Dress for Success – Saint John, NB • Big Brothers Big Sisters, Saint John, NB • Liberty Lane Inc., Fredericton, NB • Saint John Community Loan Fund, Saint John, NB • Crossroads for Women Inc., Moncton, NB • Services à la Famille de la Peninsule, Caraquet, Acadian Peninsula, NB

Community Partnership work:

Provincial Caring Partnerships Committee (PCPC) www.violencepreventionnb.org Conference a Big Success! Over ninety people from communities across New Brunswick gathered at a conference in Fredericton, N.B., November 22nd-24th, 2006. This conference brought together service providers from community, volunteer, professional and government agencies who shared knowledge on current and new initiatives in New Brunswick to address issues relating to victims of family violence. It provided an exciting opportunity for an exchange of practice knowledge and networking. The conference theme was “VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES: SUPPORT, KNOWLEDGE AND EMPOWERMENT”. If you have news or an event that you would like included in the PCPC newsletter, please e-mail [email protected] with subject line "PCPC newsletter". Award recipient chooses MMFC Left to right: Therese Murray, David Parkinson, Carmen Gill, Madeleine Delaney-LeBlanc

La conférence du Comité provincial « On vous a à coeur » www.violencepreventionnb.org est un franc succès!

14 www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3

Plus de 90 personnes d’un peu partout au NouveauBrunswick ont participé à une conférence qui a eu lieu à Fredericton du 22 au 24 novembre 2006. Cette conférence a réuni des fournisseurs de services d’organismes communautaires, bénévoles, professionnels et gouvernementaux. Ils ont partagé leurs connaissances sur les initiatives actuelles et nouvelles du NouveauBrunswick pour s’attaquer aux problèmes auxquels font face les victimes de violence familiale. C’était aussi une belle occasion de faire du résautage et de discuter des pratiques qui s’avèrent efficaces. La conférence avait pour thème « VICTIMES DE VIOLENCE FAMILIALE DANS NOS COMMUNAUTÉS : INFORMER, SOUTENIR ET PROMOUVOIR L’AUTONOMISATION ». Si vous avez des nouvelles ou un évènement à annoncer dans le bulletin On vous a à c?ur, veuillez envoyer un courriel à [email protected] et indiquer « PCPC newsletter » dans l’objet (subject). For more information on the Caring Partnerships project, please visit our website or email us: [email protected] or www.violencepreventionnb.ca

Upcoming events: “In Muriel’s Footsteps” Legacy Project

S

pirited and uncompromising, the late Senator Muriel McQueen Fergusson captured the hearts of Canadians from coast to coast by breaking gender barriers and amassing huge accomplishments. At the same time, the Shediac, New Brunswick native exhibited such wit, wisdom and strength of character that her legacy lives on in an active foundation and research centre. The Foundation and the Times & Transcript have teamed up this summer for a legacy project called "In Muriel's Footsteps." In preparation for the Foundation's Annual Gala in Moncton on October 23, living memories and anecdotes about Sen. Fergusson were sought. Highlights of these glimpses of history and the work that lives on in her name will be contained in a special supplement to be published in the three largest New Brunswick daily newspapers in the fall. Sen. Fergusson, a graduate from Mount Allison University in 1921, was the first woman elected, in 1950, to the Fredericton City Council and was the first woman deputy mayor in 1953. She was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 1953 and was the first woman Speaker of the Senate from 1972 to 1974. In 1974, she was sworn to the Privy Council and in 1997, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. "So much work is being carried out in her name today, but as time has passed, fewer and fewer New Brunswickers remember her incredible life and accomplishments," said Therese Murray, executive director of the Foundation. "We want to celebrate her life

by collecting the stories and memories of those who knew her and remember working with her, being with her, and knowing her." Each person who submitted a memory or story about Sen. Fergusson will have their name entered in a draw to win two tickets to the Foundation’s gala dinner set for October 23 at the Delta Beausejour. Special guest speaker will be Rt. Hon. Madame Justice Beverley McLachlin, PC, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada.

Old Government House hosts Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation (MMFF) Gala Dinner Art Series The exhibit features work created for the Foundation's annual Gala Dinner Series. It includes works by artists Muriel Bell, Herzel Kashetsky and Carolyn Purdy. Other related works joining the display include: The New Brunswick Silent Witness Silhouettes; Lois Wilby Hooper’s Sue Anonymous Quilt Series; select pieces from the Putting Ourselves Back Together Again MMFC collection; along with sculpture pieces by Wendy Forrest. This combined exhibit will be on display from November 5 to December 7 as part of November Family Violence Prevention Month, an initiative of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation. Please drop by Old Government House, 51 Woodstock Road, Fredericton to view these inspirational pieces for yourself. For further information you may contact the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation: 1-888-6736633.

Old Government House accueille l’exposition de la soirée de gala de la Fondation Muriel McQueen Fergusson (FMMF) L’exposition met en vedette des ?uvres créées spécialement pour la soirée de gala annuelle de la Fondation. Elle comprend des productions des artistes Muriel Bell, Herzel Kashetsky et Carolyn Purdy. D’autres créations seront aussi exposées, notamment les silhouettes du projet Une témoin silencieuse du Nouveau-Brunswick, la série de courtepointes Sue Anonymous de Lois Wilby Hooper, des ?uvres choisies de la collection Putting Ourselves Back Together Again du CMMF ainsi que des sculptures de Wendy Forrest. Cette exposition conjointe sera à l’affiche du 5 novembre au 7 décembre dans le cadre du Mois de la prévention de la violence familiale, une initiative de la Fondation Muriel McQueen Fergusson. Visitez Old Government House, 51 Woodstock Road, Fredericton pour admirer ces pièces inspirantes. Pour de plus amples renseignements, communiquez avec la Fondation Muriel McQueen Fergusson : 1-888-6736633.

MMFC Networker | Issue #18 | Fall 2007 15

Harley Davidson Elimination Draw coming in 2008

Food & Wine Gourmet Adventure coming in 2008

On the road to ending family violence! The Muriel McQueen Fergusson presents the 3rd Harley Davidson Elimination Draw in the spring of 2008 in support of ending family violence. Only 500 tickets are made available at a price of $100 per ticket. Past events have sold out quickly so you will want to reserve your ticket now!

The 4th Gourmet Food & Wine Adventure to be held in the fall of 2008! This five course gourmet dinner showcases culinary and wine paring skills of the Master Chefs and Sommeliers. A limited number of tickets will be made available for $125 each (charitable receipts will be given). Past events have sold out quickly so you will want reserve your ticket now!

Tirage Harley Davidson 2008

Aventure gastronomique 2008

En route vers l’élimination de la violence familiale! La Fondation Muriel McQueen Fergusson présente le 3e Tirage Harley Davidson qui aura lieu au printemps 2008 et qui a pour but de faire progresser l’élimination de la violence familiale. Il y a seulement 500 billets disponibles au prix de 100 $ chacun. Les billets s’envolent vite, alors réservez le vôtre dès maintenant!

La 4e édition de l’Aventure gastronomique se tiendra à l’automne 2008! Ce repas somptueux de cinq services vous permet d’apprécier les talents des grands chefs et sommeliers. Un nombre limité de billets sera vendu au prix unitaire de 125 $ (un reçu d’impôt sera émis). Les billets s’envolent vite, alors réservez le vôtre dès maintenant!

Therese Murray, executive director of the Foundation, and Christina Cameron, Office Administrator, work in the footsteps of Sen. Muriel Fergusson whose image graces their office.

For more information, please contact: Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation PO Box 50 000. 678 Windsor Street UNB Campus Fredericton, NB E3B 6C2 Phone: 1(506)472-5085 Toll free:1(888)673-6633 (mmff) Fax: 1(506)472-5084 E-mail: [email protected] Website:www.mmff.ca

16 www.unb.ca/arts/CFVR | 506-453-3595 | 678 Windsor Street, Fredericton, NB | E3B 5A3