Ontario Supporting Victims and Survivors of Crime with 175K Investment for Windsor Police Service
WINDSOR — The Ontario government is investing $175,000 in Windsor Police Service to support their Early Intervention and Prevention Program to combat intimate partner violence in Windsor–Essex. WPS has partnered with Family Services Windsor–Essex and Windsor Regional Hospital to create and expand an action-based approach that will ensure comprehensive services and assistance to victims. Additionally, the funding will go towards adding two new social workers to the program.
“I’m proud that our government is supporting the Windsor Police Service, Windsor Regional Hospital, and Family Services Windsor–Essex as vital community partners working to dismantle barriers and improving access to resources keeping our most vulnerable safe here in our community,” says Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor–Tecumseh. “We will not waver in our work supporting victims of violence.”
This funding is part of the Ontario government’s investment of more than $3 million across the province to support victims and survivors of crime. The funding is being delivered through the Victim Support Grant (VSG) Program, which is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy and complements the province’s $307 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy, 2020-2025 and Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021.
“On behalf of the Windsor Police Service, I would like to thank the Ontario Government for supporting the IPV Early Intervention and Prevention Program,” said Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire. “In 2024, Windsor Police responded to over 3,600 intimate partner-related service calls. This important funding will allow us to continue working alongside our dedicated community partners to identify early warning signs of intimate partner violence and provide the necessary support to prevent further harm and escalation.”
“Our government recognizes the devastating impact that crime can have on its victims and survivors,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant program, we’re helping to ensure that victims of crime feel safe and supported.”
QUICK FACTS
- The VSG program supports victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and/or domestic violence, hate crime, gender-based violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and other crimes.
- VSG projects can include specialized training for law enforcement, culturally responsive education and awareness campaigns, and purchasing technology and equipment to enhance police investigations and provide survivors with the option to complete interviews remotely.
- All municipal and First Nation police services, as well as municipalities policed by the Ontario Provincial Police, are eligible to apply for funding through the VSG program.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Meghan Lesperance
Constituency Assistant – Digital Media and Communications
Office of Andrew Dowie
MPP Windsor-Tecumseh
Ph Main: 519-251-5199 Cell: 519-567-3567
Email: meghan.lesperance@pc.ola.org