Ontario Supporting Victims of Gun and Gang Violence in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

NEWS

Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry — The Ontario government is investing over $1.4 million in communities across the province to help support young victims, witnesses and survivors of gun and gang violence, including human trafficking, and their families. The funding, through the Grant to Support Child Victims of Gun and Gang Violence, includes $150,000 for Koala Place.

“Caring for and supporting victims of human trafficking as well as gun and gang violence remains a top priority of mine. I believe that to help victims of crime we must provide the community with the necessary tools they need,” said MPP Nolan Quinn. “This investment is a testament to our government and my support to local individuals, organizations and stakeholders affected by crime.”

The grants provide organizations with up to $150,000 for initiatives that:

• Expand supports including counselling and safety planning services for child victims of gun and gang violence and those impacted by human trafficking.
• Create culturally sensitive, relevant and accessible resources to help young victims and their families more easily navigate the justice system.
• Deliver specialized training to staff who support child victims of gun and gang violence.
• Support community coordination and partnerships with stakeholders.

“Community organizations do important, impactful work helping young victims of crime when and where they need it most,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “Today’s investment is part of our government’s ongoing work to support victims of crime, empower communities, and increase awareness of gun and gang violence. Ontario is honoured to support the dedication and commitment of these local individuals and organizations through this grant program.”

“I am delighted to share that Koala Place, Child and Youth Advocacy Centre’s proposal has been accepted to support child victims of gun and gang violence and human trafficking in Cornwall and surrounding area.  Our new specialized initiative titled: ‘Shield of Compassion: Where Healing Meets Protection’, involves the addition of Dr. Lori Haskell, Clinical Psychologist and nationally recognized expert on trauma and abuse to our Centre’s Multi-Disciplinary Team.  Dr. Haskell will work directly with our police investigators in our region providing consultation regarding trauma-informed interviewing approaches in support of young victims in our community.  Our service delivery model is unique and innovative and will provide our Teams with specialized expertise as we support young victims of crime who attend Koala Place, Child and Youth Advocacy Centre.”

-Executive Director of Koala Place, Child and Youth Advocacy Centre Chantal Prieur

QUICK FACTS

• This new program is funded as part of a $121 million investment by the federal government to help prevent gun and gang violence in Ontario, and builds on the province’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy and the Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy.
• Family violence against children and youth increased 38 per cent from 2014 to 2022, according to a Statistics Canada report on trends in police-reported family violence and intimate partner violence.
• Ontario’s Child Victim Witness Program helps lessen the trauma suffered by children and youth when testifying in court.