Alberta set to host first-ever world conference on preventing family violence

Edmonton... Over 1,000 delegates from 29 countries are coming to Banff from October 23rd to 26th to share their experiences, hopes, and solutions for ending family violence. The sold out World Conference on Prevention of Family Violence 2005 will bring together a diverse group of international leaders, researchers and policy and program experts to share promising practices in family violence prevention, intervention, support and follow-up.

“Family violence is a global epidemic,” said Alberta Children’s Services Minister, Heather Forsyth. “Ending the silence is our best hope for building strong communities and healthy families. We are fully committed to ending the devastating impact of family violence. This conference gives us an exciting opportunity to bring world-renowned experts together to engage in a unique dialogue and to share promising practices.”

Premier Ralph Klein and Minister Forsyth will kick off the conference Sunday evening. Keynote speakers during the conference include:

* Irene Khan, Secretary General Amnesty International;
* Joan Libby-Hawk, Public Affairs Specialist, United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM);
* Dr. Alexander Butchart, Prevention of Violence Coordinator, World Health Organization; and
* Dr. Paulo Pinheiro, Director of the Department of Violence and Injury Prevention.

More information about Children’s Services programs and initiatives to end family violence is available at www.child.gov.ab.ca. Complete information about the conference is available at www.wcpfv2005.ca.

Contact Information

Cathy Ducharme

Communications, Alberta Children’s Services

Government of Alberta

Contact via E-mail