Sexual Violence Awareness Month

Press Release

May 01, 2025

FREDERICTON – The following statement was issued by Lyne Chantal Boudreau, minister responsible for women’s equality, in recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month:

Each May, New Brunswick observes Sexual Violence Awareness Month. It is a time to inform the public, promote education, strengthen community involvement and create spaces where people can feel safe speaking out, helping us put an end to all forms of sexual violence.

This month, to foster a culture of consent and respectful relationships, we are reaffirming our commitment to prevention, support and action. Through historic investments in programs and services dedicated to ending gender-based violence, we are striving to build safer, more equitable communities across the province.

Last week, I had the honour of signing a declaration with Lorraine Whalley, executive director of Sexual Violence New Brunswick. The declaration reflects our shared commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by violence. It serves as an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the individuals and organizations working every day in New Brunswick to help survivors of violence and drive systemic change.

Our government is making significant investments to enhance services and support for people impacted by sexual violence, including:

$800,000 for community-based sexual violence services to improve access to support across the province.
$100,000 to support co-ordination and engagement in response to on-campus sexual violence.
$62,000 to continue bystander intervention training at publicly funded post-secondary institutions in New Brunswick.
$238,000 to support Indigenous communities in their response to sexual violence.
$309,000 for the development of public awareness strategies to address child sexual abuse.

These investments represent much more than just numbers; they will lead to saved and transformed lives, rekindled hope and strengthened communities.

As part of my mandate, I am committed to making the invisible visible. This means listening to survivors of violence and amplifying their voices while placing them at the heart of our actions.

While I am pleased to highlight the sexual violence prevention initiatives and services available in the province, we must not forget that there is still work to be done to ensure everyone can live safely and free from all forms of sexual violence in New Brunswick.

Media Contact(s)

Judy Winter, communications, Women’s Equality, judy.winter@gnb.ca.

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