For Immediate Release

October 21, 2005

ONTARIO GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO HELP VICTIMS OF CRIME IN KINGSTON AND THE ISLANDS
$32,100 to Fund Domestic Violence project with Kingston Police Services Board

KINGSTON — The McGuinty government is improving services for victims of crime in Kingston and The Islands by investing in community-based projects that offer help when and where it is needed most, MPP John Gerretsen announced today, on behalf of Attorney General Michael Bryant.

“This investment will bring educational support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Kingston area,” said Gerretsen. “The McGuinty government wants to continue to ensure that local communities have a real voice in building victim support services in their communities.”

The investment made under the Victims’ Justice Fund to the Kingston Police Services Board is $32,100 to fund the ‘Youth Dating Violence: Sexual Physical and Emotional Abuse’ project. This funding will encourage victims of dating abuse to come forward for information and support. The program will educate young people about the realities and impact of date violence and will facilitate greater community responsibility for the prevention of dating abuse.

"This grant enables the Kingston Police to extend their aggressive stance against domestic violence in the community and will assist and strengthen relationships with various service providers in education and social service agencies,” said Constable Lillian Brooker of the Kingston Police.

The government is investing in community-based agencies across Ontario to provide services and resources that empower victims of crime to rebuild their lives. Over $3.1 million from the Victims’ Justice Fund will be made available to 71 agencies across Ontario.

“We are investing in local agencies across the province so that they can develop and provide specialized services that are best suited to the needs of victims of crime in their communities,” said Bryant. “By expanding the range of victim services available we are strengthening our communities.”

The Victims’ Justice Fund is collected through a provincial surcharge applied to all fines under the Provincial Offences Act (except parking violations) and also includes federal fine surcharge revenues.
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