News Release

For Immediate Release
April 15, 2008

McGuinty Government Providing Services For Victims Earlier

NEWS

Thousands of Ontario victims of crime and their families will benefit from new provincial funding for the supports and services they need to overcome trauma and begin to rebuild their lives.

The new Victim Quick Response Program has provided early assistance to about 600 people since Fall 2007. In the immediate aftermath of violent crimes, victims can receive:

• Emergency expenses including childcare, housing and meals
• Funeral expenses
• Professional trauma counselling.

Today, the government announced $3.3 million in new funding to the program, bringing total funding for the year to $5.8 million.

In addition, the government is boosting the annual base funding for the Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services program by 20 per cent in 2008-09 to $9.4 million, a $1.8 million increase.

The funding for both programs will ensure more victims receive the help they need faster to overcome trauma and begin to rebuild their lives. Attorney General Chris Bentley made the announcement as part of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.

QUOTES

"Our government is committed to supporting victims of crime by providing services that offer swift assistance for their urgent needs at a crucial time," said Attorney General Chris Bentley. "These investments will help community agencies deliver important programs that provide immediate relief to thousands of victims across Ontario."

"While there is always work to do, our government has made great strides in widening the availability of meaningful and effective victims' services," said Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci. "We understand that we are stronger as a province when victims have enhanced opportunity for support and recovery."

"We are pleased that the McGuinty government has recognized the increased demands for Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services and is providing the additional resources we need to better support more victims," said Lisa Warriner, chair of the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers.

"I welcome the announcement," said Toronto Police Service Chief William Blair. "Victim services agencies are highly valued, respected and essential. They are unsung heroes who do so much to restore, rebuild and enhance the quality of life of those affected by serious crime."

QUICK FACTS

• National Victims of Crime Awareness Week runs from April 13 to April 19.
• Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services include on-site support to victims, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by staff and trained community volunteers.
• Last year, more than 10,000 Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services volunteers provided over 1.1 million hours of support to victims of crime.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about the Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service and the Victim Quick Response Program.

Learn more about National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.