More funding for sexual assault services in Ontario
The Ontario government announced
a $1.75 million per year
increase in funding to 42 sexual assault
centres across the province. In
the wake of the decision made by
the U.S. House of Representatives
to defund Planned Parenthood, this
change is viewed as yet another
step in the right direction to end
sexual assault and sexual violence.
Jane McGregor, interim executive director at the Sexual Assault Centre London said the centre works on a “shoestring budget” and though it works extremely well in supporting the community and sexual assault survivors, more funding is always welcome.
“For the work that we do, every little bit helps,” McGregor said. “We are really grateful to the province’s commitment in helping us end sexual violence.”
The centre offers a number of services to victims of sexual assault in the London-Middlesex region including counseling, a 24-hour crisis support line and support groups for survivors to share their experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne spoke in a press release announcing the funding changes.
“Sexual assault centres are a lifeline for those who have experienced the trauma of sexual violence or harassment. Our government is increasing its support for these centres so they can enhance the critical help they provide to survivors,” Wynne said.
Wynne said she considers herself “privileged” for never having experienced serious sexual violence and actually got emotional when discussing it at the press conference announcing the new funding.
“It’s hard to talk about because we all have experiences we can go back to and say ‘was that my fault, could that have been different and boy I escaped that one’,” Wynne said.
Wynne is not alone.
According to Ontario Women’s Directorate one in three Canadian women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
The Ontario government has taken a proactive step in ending sexual violence with an action plan called “It’s Never Okay”. The 13-part plan strives to “establish an Ontario where everyone lives in safety and is free from the threat, fear or experience of sexual violence and harassment.”
McGregor said the new funding to sexual assault centres shows Ontario’s commitment to this plan.
“Having a plan and a commitment,” McGregor said. “That’s a new thing, to have them continue to commit and support us trying to create a world without sexual violence.”
If you have been a victim of a sexual assault and need help please contact The Sexual Assault Centre London 24-hour crisis and support line at 519-438-2272 or Counselling and Accessibility Services at Fanshawe at 519-452-4282.
Jane McGregor, interim executive director at the Sexual Assault Centre London said the centre works on a “shoestring budget” and though it works extremely well in supporting the community and sexual assault survivors, more funding is always welcome.
“For the work that we do, every little bit helps,” McGregor said. “We are really grateful to the province’s commitment in helping us end sexual violence.”
The centre offers a number of services to victims of sexual assault in the London-Middlesex region including counseling, a 24-hour crisis support line and support groups for survivors to share their experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne spoke in a press release announcing the funding changes.
“Sexual assault centres are a lifeline for those who have experienced the trauma of sexual violence or harassment. Our government is increasing its support for these centres so they can enhance the critical help they provide to survivors,” Wynne said.
Wynne said she considers herself “privileged” for never having experienced serious sexual violence and actually got emotional when discussing it at the press conference announcing the new funding.
“It’s hard to talk about because we all have experiences we can go back to and say ‘was that my fault, could that have been different and boy I escaped that one’,” Wynne said.
Wynne is not alone.
According to Ontario Women’s Directorate one in three Canadian women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
The Ontario government has taken a proactive step in ending sexual violence with an action plan called “It’s Never Okay”. The 13-part plan strives to “establish an Ontario where everyone lives in safety and is free from the threat, fear or experience of sexual violence and harassment.”
McGregor said the new funding to sexual assault centres shows Ontario’s commitment to this plan.
“Having a plan and a commitment,” McGregor said. “That’s a new thing, to have them continue to commit and support us trying to create a world without sexual violence.”
If you have been a victim of a sexual assault and need help please contact The Sexual Assault Centre London 24-hour crisis and support line at 519-438-2272 or Counselling and Accessibility Services at Fanshawe at 519-452-4282.
