Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today concerns Family Violence Awareness Week. Mr. Speaker, on February 11, 1994, the Legislative Assembly passed a motion which stated that this Legislature has adopted the principal of zero tolerance of violence against all people, and endorsed the goal of eliminating family violence by the year 2000. It is now the year 2000, and October 30th to November 5th has been declared Family Violence Awareness Week.
Mr. Speaker, have we achieved the goals set out in the declaration of family violence over six years ago? Unfortunately, the answer is no. In fact, Mr. Speaker, statistics from 1999 in the Northwest Territories paint a disturbing picture.
Four hundred and thirty six spousal assaults by a male spouse were reported to the RCMP. Two hundred and twenty one sexual assaults were reported to the police, and statistics show that generally only ten percent of sexual assault crimes are reported. There were 95 reported cases of sexual abuse of children and youth under the age of eighteen.
Mr. Speaker, although some progress has been made, we obviously have a long way to go. The question is, what can we do?
This Legislative Assembly must renew its commitment towards the elimination of family violence. Mr. Speaker, I welcome the Premier's move yesterday to reinforce that Minister Groenewegen has the mandate to lead this government in action. I believe our government must develop a concrete strategy for dealing with this problem.
We must find a way to increase funding, because that is necessary to help train counsellors, improve rehabilitation programs and to add to the amount of shelter space that is available. In fact, during one month alone last year, Mr. Speaker, 46 women and their children were turned away from Alison McAteer House in Yellowknife because the shelter was full.
This is not acceptable. Women and children in crisis need to know that a safe place will be available. Family violence is unacceptable, and we must work hard to break the silence and never let it remain hidden. As a society, we pay a huge price for family violence. We must break the tragic cycle so that our children will grow up in a peaceful society that allows them to reach their full potential.
Most importantly, Mr. Speaker, we must all speak out and be dedicated in our efforts to raise awareness across the North of this terrible problem. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause