Ontario government investment will support community initiatives that help prevent violence and support survivors in Windsor
WINDSOR — The Ontario government is taking action to prevent and address gender-based violence and support survivors in Windsor by investing in the John Howard Society of Windsor–Essex County and their new agency program, S.A.F.E. The Supportive Approach to Finding Empowerment (S.A.F.E.) program will provide client-focused case management for individuals aged 16 and older who are at risk of, currently experiencing, or recovering from gender-based violence.
“Ending gender-based violence starts with prevention and early intervention,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “The S.A.F.E. program reflects our government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that stop violence before it starts. By offering tools like safety planning, healthy relationship education, and financial literacy, this program will help break the cycle of abuse. I’m proud to see this investment come to our community and am confident it will make a real difference in the lives of people across Windsor and Essex County.”
The S.A.F.E. program provides tailored, trauma informed support based on an individual’s needs, including guidance on healthy relationship dynamics, safety planning, and connections to local resources.
A key component of the program focuses on financial literacy, recognizing the significant role financial abuse plays in preventing survivors from leaving unsafe situations. By offering education in budgeting, credit, and money management, S.A.F.E aims to empower participants to build financial independence and long-term stability.
This investment is part of Ontario’s Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, a province-wide strategy to strengthen prevention, improve community safety, and expand support systems for survivors.
“Our government is continuing to take action to end gender-based violence in all its forms,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “I’m proud that Ontario is funding new and innovative projects across the province that will prevent gender-based violence before it occurs. These projects tackle the root causes and are critical to breaking the cycle of abuse. Together with community partners, we are supporting local solutions and building safer and healthier communities for generations to come.”
“The John Howard Society of Windsor-Essex is grateful to be the recipient of funding from MCCSS for Ontario’s Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence,” said Stephanie Keyes, Executive Director of the John Howard Society of Windsor Essex. “JHSW acknowledges that on average, it takes seven attempts for an individual experiencing GBV to leave their partner successfully. Our program will work alongside these individuals, regardless of where they are in the process of leaving the relationship, and help equip them with tools, knowledge, and support which can be crucial in navigating this process safely and securely. We look forward to working in collaboration with the community to assist in developing and informing the content of our program. We are hopeful that our program will help individuals who have experienced GBV as well as reduce the cycle of violence in Windsor-Essex.”
QUICK FACTS
Ontario is investing approximately $98 million in up to 83 new initiatives across the province that will focus on building safer communities, stopping gender-based violence before it happens, and helping survivors to recover and rebuild their lives. The ministry is currently working to confirm project details and funding agreements with the organizations that will deliver the new initiatives.
This funding builds on Ontario’s existing investments of $1.4 billion over four years in community support programs that prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. The investment is part of Ontario’s $162 million agreement with the federal government to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
QUOTES
“By strengthening community-based services and improving economic security for survivors, our government is continuing to help prevent violence and support survivors so they can heal, rebuild their lives, and achieve financial stability for themselves and their families. I look forward to seeing how these new projects and their innovative approaches will help address gender-based violence in communities across Ontario.”
– Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence
Get help if you are experiencing violence
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