Perth County will see a $100,000 investment from Ontario's Victim Support Grant (VSG) program.
The money, aimed at helping those who have suffered from intimate partner or domestic violence, human trafficking, and child exploitation, will be used for three Project Healing initiatives:
• to create a safe and comfortable space for intimate partner violence victims/survivors to tell law enforcement about their experiences
• to provide accessible, court-approved translation services for rural communities
• to offer training in areas such as trauma-informed approaches, risk assessment, supporting victims of crime, and investigative techniques to police and community service providers
Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced the funding Wednesday.
"This is an important investment, which supports the most vulnerable in our rural communities," Rae said.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner called the investment support "a crucial first step to recovery" for victims and survivors.
"This important grant is part of our government’s plan to combat violent crime on our streets and ensure that victims are not left behind," he added.
The funding is from a $4 million investment for 2023-2024 that is supporting 45 projects across Ontario.
Of the 45 projects being funded, 19 will focus on intimate partner and domestic violence, five on human trafficking, three on child exploitation, and 18 that will focus on all three areas.
All municipal and First Nation police services as well as the Ontario Provincial Police are eligible to apply, on an annual basis, for funding through the VSG program.