Investment will improve access to services and supports for women and children
NEWS February 8, 2023
Hamilton — The Ontario government is investing up to $1.571 million 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.
“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
Hamilton East-Stoney Creek MPP Neil Lumsden. “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:
Centre de sante Communautaire de Hamilton Niagara - $30,000
Interval House of Hamilton-Wentworth - Transition House - $26,138.32
Hamilton Wentworth Chapter of Native Women - Native Women Centre - $20,085.33
Interval House of Hamilton - $5,000
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-HumanTrafficking Strategy presents the largest total investment
dedicated to anti-human trafficking supports and services in Canada.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ontario is investing $18.5 million over three years to support survivors of domestic
violence and human trafficking by increasing access to safe and affordable housing,
employment assistance and childcare through the Transitional and Housing Program
Ontario released Pathways to Safety: Ontario’s Strategy in Response to the Final Report
of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
