family violence. In June 1988, the Federal Minister of Health and Welfare and the Minister Responsible for the Status of Women had announced a $40 million family violence initiative. 60. A recent Canadian study on violence against women had shown the following: each year, 1 million Canadian women were abused by their husbands or live-in partners; 15 per cent of homicides were committed against women by their husbands, as compared with 6 per cent of homicides committed against men by their wives; and 56 per cent of urban women felt unsafe walking alone in their neighbourhoods after dark. A study recently published in the province of Ontario had stated that 8 out of 10 Indian and Metis women had suffered some form of abuse, mainly by their spouses. Those disturbing statistics lent support to the Government's plan for continuing comprehensive action on that problem and also reflected improved methods of reporting on those conditions. 61, Some provincial governments had embarked on extensive public awareness campaigns on the issue of wife battering. In co-operation with universities and the private and voluntary sectors, the British Columbia Institute on Family Violence had been established to develop a co-ordinated approach to the investigation and treatment of family violence. The networks of shelters and safehouses for victims of violence had continued to grow, with the assistance of government funding and support from the private and voluntary sectors, 62. Ms. Evatt. Chairperson, resumed the Chair. I • • • CEDAW/C/SR.l67 English Page 13 63. The CHAIRPERSON, in her personal capacity, said that, since ratifying the Convention, Canada had made considerable improvements in the status of women. The size of the Canadian delegation, in addition to the comprehensive responses to the Committee's questions, demonstrated clearly Canada's strong commitment to 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be discussing a specific issue related to women's rights and safety, specifically family violence, and the government's efforts to address it. It mentions statistics, government initiatives, and programs aimed at preventing and addressing family violence.

**Category**
Health, Humanitarian aid and relief