McGuinty
Government Boosts Support To Sexual Assault Centres
First Funding Increase In 13 Years
TORONTO, Feb. 24 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is providing sexual
assault victims with better community supports by increasing funding to sexual
assault centres across the province, Sandra Pupatello, Minister Responsible
for Women's Issues, announced today.
"Sexual assault against women is a crime, and victims have a right to
receive timely and sensitive treatment and support in their communities," said
Pupatello. "This additional funding for sexual assault centres complements our
government's strategy to more effectively address domestic violence issues."
The government's investment of $1.9 million is the first funding increase
to sexual assault centres in 13 years and brings the total investment to
$12.5 million annually. This represents an eight per cent increase to the
annual funding for 36 centres in 29 communities across the province. The
increase will also achieve equal funding for Francophone centres and improve
access to French-language support services.
"For many years, there have been significant disparities in the levels of
funding to Francophone centres compared to other centres," said Madeleine
Meilleur, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. "I am extremely
pleased that our government is taking steps to help meet the needs of
Francophone women, particularly in the north, where centres provide services
over a large geographic area."
Attorney General Michael Bryant added: "Sexual assault devastates the
lives of those it touches and has no place in our communities or our homes.
With this investment, we are improving access to sexual assault programs and
services in communities across the province and sending a message that sexual
violence is not tolerated."
