Mr. Speaker, this morning at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, sponsored by the Child Welfare League of Canada, was launched by the unveiling of the casting model for a national monument entitled Reaching Out, created by the survivors of child abuse.
Clearly there is a need to further raise awareness of child abuse and to change public attitudes which far too often isolate survivors, preventing them from getting the support and healing victims need. It is often a lengthy, even lifelong, journey to overcome the horrific psychological and physical effects.
I commend all participants in today's unveiling, in particular Ken Dryden, president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, whose high profile support will raise awareness of the tragic child abuse incidents at Maple Leaf Gardens and elsewhere and will also raise awareness of prevention .
Throughout October the monument will be on display at the Galleria at the Air Canada Centre and upon completion in proximity to the ACC.
I encourage everyone to visit the display and to wear the purple ribbon to remind us that we must be vigilant, not only in protecting our children but in ensuring that victims of child abuse receive the ongoing support they deserve and need.