Ontario Awarding Victim Support Grant to Nottawasaga OPP
Province supporting victims and survivors of intimate partner violence/domestic violence, human trafficking and child exploitation
ALLISTON, ON – 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 $85,420.35 for the Nottawasaga detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.
This funding will allow the continuation of Project Safe Paths that helps Nottawasaga OPP and surrounding OPP detachments support victims of human trafficking and intimate partner violence.
Project Safe Paths has two dedicated police crisis beds at Imani’s Place to facilitate referrals, provide protection and assist in rehabilitating victims of trafficking and intimate partner violence in a culturally affirming environment. The project will also fund B.R.I.G.H.T. (Bringing Real Internet Guidance to Help Teens) presentations at schools and in the community.
“Today’s announcement will ensure that the Nottawasaga detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police, along with their dedicated community partners will be able to continue the critical work they do to support victims and survivors of human trafficking, exploitation and intimate partner violence,” said Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe Grey. “Community Safety is a top priority of our government and my sincere gratitude goes out to Detachment Commander Inspector Steve Ridout and his team of officers, who are committed to protecting our residents and keeping them out of harms way.”
“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
All municipal and First Nation police services as well as the Ontario Provincial Police are eligible to apply for funding through the VSG program.
▪ 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.
▪ Of the 45 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.
▪ The Ontario government is investing over $2 million in the Partner Assault Response (PAR) program to help break the cycle of intimate partner violence and keep communities safe. The PAR program provides specialized group education and counselling for people charged with intimate partner violence offences and offers support to current partners of those in the program. This two-year investment is in addition to themore than $2 million given to PAR providers in 2022.