Ontario Investing in New Supports to Address Gender-based Violence
$429,246 investment will support community initiatives that help prevent violence and support survivors in Elgin-Middlesex-London
ST. THOMAS — The Ontario government is taking action to prevent and address gender-based violence and support survivors in Elgin-Middlesex-London by investing $429,246 over three years in YWCA and their new project From Financial Violence to Financial Empowerment that will enhance financial literacy and empowerment for women and those leaving violent situations.
“Our government is continuing to take action to end gender-based violence in all its forms,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “I’m proud that Ontario is funding new and innovative projects across the province that will prevent gender-based violence before it occurs. These projects tackle the root causes and are critical to breaking the cycle of abuse. Together with community partners, we are supporting local solutions and building safer and healthier communities for generations to come.”
This investment is part of Ontario’s actions to better respond to violence, build safer and healthier communities, and support women’s well-being and economic opportunities through Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence.
“This funding is about helping people in our community build safer, more stable lives,” said Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London. “By supporting the YWCA’s work to help survivors gain financial independence, we’re tackling gender-based violence at its roots. I’m proud to see this investment coming to Elgin-Middlesex-London, where it will make a real difference for women and families who need it most.”
Quick facts
Ontario is investing approximately $98 million in up to 83 new initiatives across the province that will focus on building safer communities, stopping gender-based violence before it happens, and helping survivors to recover and rebuild their lives. The ministry is currently working to confirm project details and funding agreements with the organizations that will deliver the new initiatives.
This funding builds on Ontario’s existing investments of $1.4 billion over four years in community support programs that prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. The investment is part of Ontario’s $162 million agreement with the federal government to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
“By strengthening community-based services and improving economic security for survivors, our government is continuing to help prevent violence and support survivors so they can heal, rebuild their lives, and achieve financial stability for themselves and their families. I look forward to seeing how these new projects and their innovative approaches will help address gender-based violence in communities across Ontario.”
– Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
“We are honoured and truly grateful for the opportunity to provide vital services to survivors of gender-based violence through a newly developed program that will support women by enhancing their life skills, breaking down barriers and providing education related to financial stability. Participants will be empowered to take control of their future, knowing that their community is supporting them on their journey.”
– Lindsay Rice, Executive Director of YWCA St.Thomas-Elgin
Additional Resources
Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence
Get help if you are experiencing violence
MEDIA CONTACT:
Emily Bradshaw
Communications Advisor
Office of Rob Flack, MPP
emily.bradshaw@pc.ola.org