Ontario gives $34K to Sudbury centre that helps victims of violence

The province is providing $34,200 in new funding for the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre at Health Sciences North in Sudbury, Sudbury MPP Glenn Thibeault announced Friday.

In a release, Thibeault said the additional funding will improve specialized counselling services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The funding is part of the government’s $1.14 million investment in the centres across the province. It includes $940,000 for enhancing specialized counselling services and $200,000 for a province-wide community outreach program.

“Under this initiative, the government will also monitor treatment centres’ results to ensure that the new investments are making a difference in the lives of those affected by sexual violence,” the release said.

The announcement supports commitments outlined in It's Never Okay, the government’s strategy plan to combat sexual violence and harassment. It includes strengthening the supports provided by hospital-based treatment centres and maintaining round-the-clock access to care for victims. It's also part of the government’s commitment to providing faster access to the right health care through its Patients First action plan.

“Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence need to know that there are counselling services available to them to help them cope with these distressing crimes,” Thibeault is quoted as saying in the release. “Today’s announcement is part of our government’s efforts to help survivors, and put an end to sexual violence and harassment.”

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne made a similar announcement at the Scarborough Hospital on Friday, which will receive more than $28,000 in funding.

The government announced the It's Never Okay: An Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment on March 6. It aims to help change attitudes, provide more supports for survivors, and make workplaces and campuses safer and more responsive to complaints about sexual violence and harassment.

The province committed $41 million over three years to support the plan’s implementation.

"Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres are on the front lines of supporting victims of sexual violence in our communities,” Wynne is quoted as saying in the release.

“With today’s announcement, our government is delivering on our commitment to the women of Ontario by investing in additional counselling services and community outreach to support survivors during the healing process."

And Health Minister Eric Hoskins said the fact that sexual violence is present in every community is “not acceptable.

“We can, and must, do better,” Hoskins is quoted as saying in the release. “These centres provide comprehensive and timely support to survivors and I am proud that Ontario is enhancing these services further so that survivors have access to the services they need, when they need them most."