Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #05-283
October 31, 2005
Family Violence Prevention Act Amended
WHITEHORSE - The Yukon government is continuing its campaign against family violence by tabling amendments to the Family Violence Prevention Act in the current legislative sitting.
"The Act is being amended so violence issues can be addressed in dating relationships or family relationships, such as grandparents and grandchildren," Justice Minister John Edzerza said.
The government is pleased to announce that the definition of family violence, in the Family Violence Prevention Act, has been expanded to include emotional abuse.
As well, fines and penalties for a second offence or subsequent offences have increased significantly. Maximum fines have increased to $10,000 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to 24 months.
"The tabling of these amendments is timely, given that November is Women Abuse Prevention Month," minister responsible for the Women's Directorate Elaine Taylor said. "These revisions are just one of the ways in which this government is addressing the Yukon's high incidence of family violence."
The Government of Yukon is committed to responding effectively to family violence and building healthier communities.
"These changes are to reinforce the Yukon government’s platform commitment of zero tolerance for violence," Edzerza added.
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| Contact: | |
| Peter Carr | Deb Wald |
| Cabinet Communications | Coordinator, Justice |
| (867) 667-8688 | (867) 393-7081 |
| Peter.Carr@gov.yk.ca | Deb.Wald@gov.yk.ca |