Sheldon Kennedy supports Canada's bold new laws to protect children from predators and sexual exploitation

Child Advocacy Centre says laws better acknowledge magnitude of child sexual abuse

CALGARY, Feb. 28, 2014 /CNW/ - The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre says new legislation to protect children from predators and sexual exploitation is a strong move for Canada.

During a visit to the Centre today Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, highlighted nine new measures that will better protect children impacted by sexual abuse.  Child advocate Sheldon Kennedy says these measures acknowledge the full magnitude of the issue—from stronger investigative practices and sentencing to focusing on helping and healing these young victims.

"Child sexual abuse happens as a result of people's ignorance and indifference," says Kennedy. "By bringing this issue and these measures into the forefront MacKay is sending a message that we—as Canadians—need to take these crimes seriously and work toward solutions that will help children impacted by abuse cope with the trauma they've experienced."

Research has shown that early intervention and treatment is critical to the long-term outcomes of children impacted by abuse. Left untreated, too many victims of childhood physical and sexual abuse struggle with addiction, mental health issues, homelessness, or continue the cycle of abuse. The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre is committed to creating better outcomes for the children, youth, and families impacted by physical and sexual abuse.

"Our Centre is committed to community education, early intervention, investigation, treatment, research, and prevention of child abuse," says Bonnie Johnston, CEO of the Child Advocacy Centre. "Through collaboration we are able to focus on the full scope and impact of these crimes—at the core of which are the child victims and families who need to heal and move toward healthy futures."

The Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre brings together the Calgary Police Service, Calgary and Area Child and Family Services, Alberta Health Services, and Alberta Justice, as well as corporate champions, the community, and government to address Southern Alberta's most severe and complex situations of child physical and sexual abuse. Every month the Centre triages approximately 83 children and youth.

Please visit www.sheldonkennedycac.ca for additional information about the Centre. Follow us on Twitter @YYCCAC and Facebook at www.facebook.com/SheldonKennedyChildAdvocacyCentre.

Image with caption: "Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre (CNW Group/Respect Group Inc.) (CNW Group/Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140228_C8279_PHOTO_EN_37349.jpg

SOURCE: Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre

For further information:

Briar Crutchfield, Media Relations & Communications
Tel: [phone] Email: [e-mail]