A local group is getting close to $200,000 to combat “honour” violence and killing.
The Indo-Canadian Women’s Association will get $199,962 from the feds for a 24-month project to work with ethno-cultural groups and people to shed light on the issue.
Rona Ambrose, minister for the Status of Women, announced the project on Tuesday, saying it’s about tackling cultural issues that have been around for hundreds of years.
“The issue around crimes committed in the name of honour is an issue about breaking the silence,” Ambrose said.
She called honour violence an “emerging” problem, along with the problems of arranged marriages and genital mutilation.
Miriam Thomas, president of the Indo-Canadian Women’s Association, said the impact of domestic violence have far-reaching effects.
“As all of us know, all forms of domestic violence cost us dearly. We have noticed there have been lots of problems among women at the grassroots level,” Thomas said. “And through our various programs have come to realize that they need help.”