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New Funding to Improve Counselling Services at Hospital in Dufferin County

August 21, 2015   ·   0 Comments

This morning, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that new funding would be provided to improve support of survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The Province has committed to $28,100 in funds for the Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre (SADVTC) at the Headwaters Health Care Centre in Orangeville.

This additional funding will be used to enhance specialized counselling services for survivors, and is part of the government’s plan to invest $1.4 million a year in SADVTCs province-wide. The investment includes $940,000 towards enhancing already existing specialized counselling services and $200,000 for a community outreach program across Ontario.

Under this new initiative, the government has also committed to monitoring treatment centres’ results to ensure the new investments are making a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by sexual or domestic violence.

“Sexual violence is regrettably present in every community in this province – and that is not acceptable,” said Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long Term Care. “We can, and must, do better. These centres provide comprehensive and timely support to survivors and I am proud that Ontario is enhancing these services further so that survivors have access to the services they need, when they need them most.”

Today’s announcement is being hailed by the government as an important step towards achieving the government’s commitments that are outlined in their action plan to stop sexual violence and harassment, ‘It’s Never Okay’. Part of those commitments in the action plan includes the strengthening of supports provided through hospital-based treatment centres, as well as maintaining around-the-clock access to excellent, appropriate and timely care. This is also a part of the government’s commitment in providing faster access to the correct health care, as part of their ‘Patients First’ action plan.
“Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence need to know that there are counselling services available to them to help them cope with these distressing crimes,” said Steven Del Duca, MPP for Vaughan. “Today’s announcement is part of our government’s efforts to help survivors, and put an end to sexual violence and harassment.”

Providing support for victims of sexual violence, along with creating a safer, more inclusive and equitable province is a part of the government’s four-part plan to build Ontario up. Included in this plan is the investment in people’s talent and skills, along with making the largest invetsment in public infrastructure in the province’s history. It also includes the creation of a dynamic and innovative environment, allowing businesses to thrive, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

To learn more, you can view the ‘It’s Never Okay’ action plan at http://www.ontario.ca/document/action-plan-stop-sexual-violence-and-harassment or check out more sexual assault resources at http://www.ontario.ca/home-and-community/we-can-all-help-stop-sexual-violence.

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