Whitehorse RCMP, women's groups sign safety agreement

A new agreement between Whitehorse women's groups and the RCMP aims to improve the way police respond to violence against women and girls.

Called "Together for Safety", the agreement is billed as a way to build trust between women's advocacy groups and the RCMP.

On Friday,WhitehorseRCMP signed the agreement withrepresentatives fromWhitehorse Aboriginal Women's Circle, Yukon Women's Transition Home Society, Victoria Faulkner Women's Centre, Public Service Alliance of Canada Aboriginal People's Committee and Regional Women's Committee, Yukon Status of Women Council, and Les Essentielles.

The pact is based on a similar arrangement in Watson Lake.Ann Maje Raider of the Liard Aboriginal Women's Society spearheaded the Watson Lake agreement.She said it's made a big difference in her community.

"Where we were five years ago to where we are today, it's really a different place. And I attribute a lot of the good, really positive changes, to the RCMP."

Maje Raider saidpeople in the community have told her they feel safer calling the RCMP and less intimidated than they used to be. She said it's important that women aren't judged or criticized when they call for help.