Office of the Official Opposition
For Immediate Release

St. John's, NL (November 26, 2020) – After touring Iris Kirby House and O’Shaughnessy House Helen Conway Ottenheimer, PC MHA for the district of Harbour Main and Shadow Minister responsible for the Status of Women, is advocating for additional supports.

“I had the opportunity to observe firsthand the facilities, to meet their respective leadership teams and to assess what help is available for women and children who are experiencing domestic violence in their lives during the pandemic,” says Conway Ottenheimer.

Women’s Shelters Canada recently found in its survey that the majority of shelters in Canada reported an increase in clients experiencing severe abuse. This is a direct result of public health measures aimed at fighting COVID-19 which have increased social isolation, job losses, and financial insecurity.

Conway Ottenheimer says, “What is most concerning is that these circumstances will be magnified as we combine both the COVID environment with the upcoming Christmas season. Unfortunately, women in particular will find themselves at an increased risk of domestic violence. As well, loneliness, feelings of isolation, and depression affect those most vulnerable, including women in their senior years who will be susceptible to these risk factors.”

“It was also worrisome for me to see how busy both shelters are, demonstrating that women in our midst are living in unsafe situations. It is evident that increased mental health supports from Government are needed; a mobile crises unit is lacking, counselling services for addictions and children trauma are woefully inadequate,” continued Conway Ottenheimer.

“It is Government’s responsibility to ensure that it is vigilant, alert, prepared and responsive to the mental health concerns facing women and children especially in the coming weeks before Christmas - a time when our most vulnerable will face an unprecedented and challenging Christmas with COVID-19,” concluded Conway Ottenheimer.
 

Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Communications and Digital Strategy

(p) 1.709.729.3668

BradleyRussell@gov.nl.ca

-30-