Ontario Awarding Victim Support Grant to London and St. Thomas
Province supporting victims and survivors of intimate partner violence/domestic violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation.
September 20, 2023
London and St. Thomas —The Ontario government is investing more than $4 million across the province to help support victims and survivors of intimate partner violence/domestic violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation. The funding is being delivered through the Victim Support Grant program and includes $100,000 for the London Police Service and $52, 832 for the St. Thomas Police Service.
The London Police Service will work with the Thames Valley Canadian Mental Health Association. They will provide a victim support worker and supervised, short-term shelter space for victims of intimate partner violence and human trafficking while arrangements are made with other community agencies for longer term supports. Funds will also be used to host a community outreach workshop to raise awareness about human trafficking and intimate partner violence in the London community.
The St. Thomas Police Service will work with Victim Services Elgin. Funds will be used to implement an additional victim support position within Victim Services Elgin that will assist in the response to increased calls for service in the areas of intimate partner violence and domestic violence. A Community Education Hub will also be created to support victims, including children and youth, and prevent unlawful activities that result in victimization.
“Supporting victims and survivors of crime is an integral part of our justice system,” said Rob Flack, MPP For Elgin-Middlesex-London. “These grants will help people suffering from the aftermath of violent crime in our communities, and aid in the healing process.”
“Support for victims and survivors is a crucial first step to recovery,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “This important grant is part of our government’s plan to combat violent crime on our streets and ensure that victims are not left behind.”
The Victim Support Grant (VSG) is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy and complements the province’s $307 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, 2020-2025 and Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021.
QUICK FACTS
- The VSG can be used for a variety of projects and initiatives, including specialized training for law enforcement, culturally responsive education and awareness campaigns, and purchasing technology and equipment to enhance police investigations and provide survivors with the option to complete interviews remotely.
- projects being funded across the province, 19 will focus on intimate partner violence and domestic violence, five on human trafficking, three on child exploitation, and 18 that will focus on all three areas.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES