OTTAWA, Sept. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today expressed her support of the annual Take Back the Night events, being held in communities across Canada this fall.

"Our government is committed to ending violence against women and girls. That is why we have taken action to help ensure the safety of communities across Canada," said Minister Ambrose. "I applaud the courage and resolve of Canadians who participate in Take Back the Night events everywhere. By standing up against violence, we are helping to strengthen their communities and our society."

Inspired by the fact that women and girls may not feel safe when they venture out at night, Take Back the Night events symbolize the basic human right of every woman and girl to feel safe from violence. Canada's first Take Back the Night event took place in Vancouver in 1978. The Take Back the Night movement began in the 1970s in the United States. It has grown into a global movement of annual gatherings held in communities around the world.

Through the Women's Program of Status of Women Canada, more than $54 million has been approved since 2007 for projects that address violence against women and girls. By working at the community level, the Government of Canada is improving the lives of women and girls across Canada.

SOURCE Status of Women Canada