The provincial government is set to put some significant money into breaking the cycle of intimate partner violence.
They recently announced over $2 million through the Partner Assault Response program, which helps people accused of intimate partner violence understand it and learn strategies and skills to engage in healthy relationships.
The program also supports victims and their families by reducing their isolation and helping them make informed decisions about their safety and relationships with the accused.
Attorney General Doug Downey says “addressing the root causes of violence is an important part of keeping victims safe and reducing the likelihood of further violence.”
The PAR program receives more than 11,000 referrals each year and is offered through 51 service providers in Ontario.
Vivien Green, the Chair of the Board for Counterpoint Counselling and Educational Cooperative calls the new funds welcome news for those service providers, adding that the money will “help more clients access the program in a timely fashion.”
Meanwhile, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity Charmaine Williams says the funding “will make communities stronger and safer.”
(written by Kasey Egan)
