Ontario Supporting Victims of Gun and Gang Violence in Durham Region

NEWS	March 15, 2024

WHITBY — The Ontario government is investing over $1.4 million in communities across the province to help support young victims, witnesses and survivors of gun and gang violence, including human trafficking, and their families. The funding, through the Grant to Support Child Victims of Gun and Gang Violence, includes $123,810 for Victim Services of Durham Region.

“Supporting the work of Victim Services of Durham Region is one more way our government is working to provide relevant and accessible resources which help young victims and their families,” said Whitby MPP Lorne Coe and Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier. “Our government is standing up for law-abiding residents in Whitby and other parts of the Region, and the Durham Regional Police Service to keep communities safe and protect young people from criminal activity.”

“Our government’s investment $123,810 for Victim Services of Durham Region underscores our commitment to providing crucial resources where they’re needed most. This funding will empower Victim Services of Durham Region to expand vital services for young victims of gun and gang violence, including human trafficking, and their families,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge and Minister of Finance. “I commend the tireless efforts of Victim Services of Durham Region and the Durham Regional Police Service for their unwavering commitment to our community’s safety.”

The grant program provides organizations with up to $150,000 for initiatives that:

“Community organizations do important, impactful work helping young victims of crime when and where they need it most,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “Today’s investment is part of our government’s ongoing work to support victims of crime, empower communities, and increase awareness of gun and gang violence. Ontario is honoured to support the dedication and commitment of these local individuals and organizations through this grant program.”

“The number of children, youth and families impacted by Gun and Gang Violence and Human Trafficking in Durham is growing rapidly. Ensuring our Region has the specialized services required to mitigate the harmful impact of these crimes is essential,” said Krista MacNeil, Executive Director, Victim Services of Durham Region. “Child and Youth Advocacy Centres (CYACs) bring together a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to provide a coordinated response to address the needs of children, youth, and their families who have been impacted by violence and abuse. Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR) is honoured to be leading the development of the first CYAC for our Region in collaboration with over 30 partner agencies to ensure better outcomes for all children and youth across our Region impacted by violence.”

QUOTES

“The impact of gun and gang violence on children and families is tragic. DRPS is steadfast in its commitment to the safety of all citizens and is proud to work alongside partners such as Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR). We thank the Province for its funding support for VSDR to deliver better outcomes for children and youth across Durham.”

• Peter Moreira, Chief, Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS)

“We are fortunate to have community organizations in Durham Region that are dedicated to the safety and well-being of children, youth and families, who have been impacted by violence and abuse. This provincial grant will enable Victim Services of Durham Region to continue to provide crisis response, intervention, education and prevention resources. These critical supports will help to ensure victims and survivors are safe, treated with dignity and feel a sense of belonging in our communities.”  

– John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, The Regional Municipality of Durham   

QUICK FACTS

• This new program is funded as part of a $121 million investment by the federal government to help prevent gun and gang violence in Ontario, and builds on the province’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy and the Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy.

• Family violence against children and youth increased 38 per cent from 2014 to 2022, according to a Statistics Canada report on trends in police-reported family violence and intimate partner violence.

• Ontario’s Child Victim Witness Program helps lessen the trauma suffered by children and youth when testifying in court.

MEDIA CONTACT

Eric Hutchins

Office Manager

Lorne Coe

MPP Whitby

Lorne.coeco@pc.ola.org

905-430-1141