Ontario Strengthening Services for Survivors of Violence and their Children in Western Ontario
Investment will improve access to services and supports for women and children.
The Ontario government is investing up to $1.571M to help women who have experienced violence and survivors of human trafficking in the Western area access the supports they need. This funding will also help children and youth who are entering shelters with their guardians to get the early intervention supports they need to heal from the harmful effects of experiencing and witnessing violence.
“Today’s announcement reflects our government’s commitment to support women, who have experienced gendered-based violence, get the support they need in their community, close to home,” said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. “This is an important investment that will help to ensure that when women need support that it is there for them and their children.”
“Our government believes that no matter where you live, access to supports and services should be available for the victims of gender-based violence and sexual exploitation,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers. “This investment will help women and children in this region get the help they need to stay safe and rebuild their lives.”
This investment will support a number of organizations in Western Ontario, including:
- $66,186 – Chippewas of Saugeen First Nation
- $80,510 – The Women’s Centre Grey Bruce
- $87,548 – Women’s House Serving Bruce Grey
- $42,889 – Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing and Counselling Huron
The province is investing $6.5 million in two categories:
- Up to $3.6 million for frontline agencies in rural and remote communities to strengthen culturally responsive supports for Indigenous women and reduce geographic barriers for survivors of violence and human trafficking – for example, by providing transportation to and from counselling and legal appointments.
- Up to $2.9 million to increase access to services and supports delivered by child and youth workers, early childhood educators, and other related or culturally specific service providers to children and youth entering a shelter. This will help children and youth who have been exposed to violence access stable and ongoing prevention and early intervention supports.
“Our government is working to break down barriers that prevent women who have experienced violence from receiving the help they need,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “This investment will help ensure that survivors have the foundation to begin their healing process – whether they live in a rural community and are not sure where to go, or whether they are concerned about the care their children will receive once they arrive at a shelter.”
Ontario is working to prevent and address violence against women in all forms, including human trafficking. This funding builds on Ontario’s ongoing investments in prevention initiatives, community services and supports for women and children who have experienced violence, as well as survivors of human trafficking.
QUICK FACTS
- Arrival at emergency shelters presents a critical point at which to intervene with children and youth exposed to violence. For many children and youth, shelters are a highly stressful transition environment, and they require child-appropriate trauma-informed supports to confront the difficulties they are experiencing.
- Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy represents the largest total investment dedicated to anti-human trafficking supports and services in Canada.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
MEDIA CONTACT
Jack Sullivan, Director of Issues, Media Relations & Strategy
jack.sullivan@ontario.ca