Strong Local Partnerships And New Provincial Council Mean Better Services For Women And Children Escaping Abuse

TORONTO – The McGuinty government is strengthening local community service coordination and bringing front-line expertise and advice to provincial decision-making on domestic violence issues, Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Community and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Women's Issues, announced today.

The government's latest Domestic Violence Action Plan initiative includes more resources for local Domestic Violence Community Coordinating Committees and a new Domestic Violence Advisory Council.

"Domestic violence isn't just a social service or justice issue," said Pupatello.  "A strong response to domestic violence can only happen if all the right players are at the table, working together, at both the local and the provincial level.  This investment will help us to enhance a system of strong community supports so that women and their children can live without the threat of violence."

The government is giving local Domestic Violence Community Coordinating Committees $4.5 million more over the next three years to strengthen collaboration and partnerships among community, justice, education and health service providers in dealing with domestic violence. 

Coordinating committees are already in place in more than 30 communities across the province. The Domestic Violence Advisory Council will bring together professionals from these and other sectors to provide strategic advice to the Minister of Community and Social Services. 

"Reducing domestic violence is a priority for the McGuinty government," said Attorney General Michael Bryant.  "This investment, which comes from the Victims' Justice Fund, will not only help women and children who are in need of coordinated and specialized services, but strengthen the communities in which they live."

This three-year, $4.5 million investment is part of the government's Domestic Violence Action Plan commitment to address domestic violence in a coordinated and comprehensive way, including stronger community and justice system responses to the problem of violence and a greater emphasis on preventing violence before it happens.

"We all want to live in strong, safe communities," said Pupatello.  "But strong, safe communities must start with strong, safe homes.  That's why we all have a stake – and a role to play – in confronting domestic violence in every one of Ontario's communities."