Rio Tinto has marked the start of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with an increase in its support for local organisations that help people experiencing domestic violence.

For the third consecutive year, Rio Tinto is supporting organisations across Canada that provide shelters, counselling, education, training, workshops, and activities to help women, children, and members of the LGBTQ+ community affected by domestic violence to rebuild their lives.

This year, the company is providing C$450,000 in donations to be distributed amongst 17 organisations. Disturbingly, domestic violence against women is still widespread. According to Statistics Canada, more than 4 in 10 women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence in their lifetime. People who belong to the LGBTQ+ community are also much more likely to experience intimate partner violence than heterosexual people.

Rio Tinto Aluminium Chief Executive Ivan Vella said: "At Rio Tinto, we believe that everyone has the right to feel safe. We want to contribute to both helping prevent domestic violence and protect the people who experience it. For our employees, this represents access to extra paid leave, emergency accommodation, and financial support if they are ever confronted with family violence themselves.”

“Our commitment to safety and respect for all extends beyond our work environment. For our communities across Canada, we are supporting local organisations that provide crucial help to keep women, children and members of the LGBTQ+ community safe."

SOS Violence conjugale Clinical Support Manager Claudine Thibaudeau said: “It makes a real difference when organisations like Rio Tinto come forward and join our efforts to help victims of intimate partner violence. We are grateful for Rio Tinto's financial support, but more importantly, for their clear stance in favour of victims and for a profound change in our community. Because to change the world, it takes everyone.”

This year, Rio Tinto is partnering with the following organisations:

• Auberge Transition, Montreal, Quebec
• Centre d’hébergement Tipinuaikan, Uashat, Quebec
• Centre de femmes Au Quatre-Temps, Alma, Quebec
• Centre de santé Mashtishanitshuap de Ekuanitshit, Quebec
• Centre le Volet des Femmes, Havre Saint-Pierre, Quebec
• Hope Haven, Labrador City, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Ksan House, Terrace, British Columbia
• La Fondation du Y des Femmes, Montreal, Quebec
• Le CALACS du Saguenay, Saguenay, Quebec
• Maison d’hébergement Le Rivage de la Baie, Saguenay, Quebec
• Autour D’elles, Maison d’Aide et d’Hébergement, Sept-Îles, Quebec
• Maison La Source, Sorel-Tracy, Quebec
• Native Women's shelter of Montreal, Quebec
• Omineca Safe Home Society, Vanderhoof, British Columbia
• SOS violence conjugale, Montreal, Quebec
• Tamitik Status of Women, Kitimat, British Columbia
• YWCA NWT, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Notes to editors

Recognizing domestic violence is critical and can help save a life. If someone shares that he/she's been experiencing domestic violence, it is important to find a way to help that is safe and respectful. Resources on how to help people going through domestic violence can be found here: https://bit.ly/3Ibacjz

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