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B.C. committed to making communities safer for women
Mon, January 09 2006

Ministry of Community Services

B.C. communities will receive support for their efforts to prevent violence against women as a result of the new Community Action for Women‘s Safety grants, announced today by Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors‘ and Women‘s Issues.
 
"Violence against women is unacceptable," said Chong. "We recognize that successful awareness and prevention programs start at the community level. Local organizations are in the best position to shift attitudes and behaviour that will ultimately make B.C. communities safer for women and their families."

The Province is providing $1 million to encourage community and provincial organizations to develop collaborative and lasting projects that address domestic violence. Priority will be given to projects that address safety for Aboriginal women, immigrant and visible minority women, older women, and women with disabilities.

"Any woman who has experienced violence faces challenges that can be magnified by cultural or even physical factors," said Tracy Porteous,

executive director of the BC Association of Specialized Victim Assistance and Counselling Programs. "This funding from the Province is important because it encourages organizations to work together to ensure the well-being of the most vulnerable women in our communities.”

Applications are available at:

BACKGROUNDER INFORMATION

COMMUNITY ACTION FOR WOMEN‘S SAFETY GRANTS

Funding of $1 million for the Community Action for Women‘s Safety grants is intended to help organizations and communities address the safety concerns of women most at risk from domestic violence: Aboriginal women, immigrant and visible minority women, older women, and women with disabilities.

Eligible organizations may apply for one or more of the following three funding categories:

Setting the Direction (up to $10,000)

To begin the process of community awareness and engagement in prevention of domestic violence, these projects will:

  • Take new and innovative approaches to address women‘s safety in B.C. communities;
  • Inform and educate the public about issues related to women‘s safety; and
  • Increase community awareness that domestic violence is unacceptable.

Sustaining the Effort (up to $20,000)

To enhance or complement existing domestic violence prevention projects, these projects will:

  • Develop or add new initiatives to existing programs;
  • Build on established best practices in domestic violence prevention; and
  • Demonstrate potential for long-term solutions to domestic violence in communities.

Creating the Legacy (up to $20,000)

To develop effective community networks and/or a continuum of support for those affected by domestic violence, these projects will:

  • Create and strengthen community partnerships;
  • Co-ordinate with complementary community services; and
  • Link to multiple partners to leverage other funding opportunities (e.g. National Crime Prevention Centre funding).

Applications are available at:

www.cserv.gov.bc.ca/womens_services/stopping-violence/index.htm

Click herefor a story on victims of spousal abuse.