July 24, 2020 – Vancouver, BC
Hon. Hedy Fry, MP, Vancouver Centre, on behalf of Hon. Maryam Monsef, Minister for Women and Gender Equality, announces $250,000 in support of 10 Vancouver organizations delivering gender-based violence services.
“We have seen home isolations due to COVID-19 increase the risk of violence against women, here and globally. For many women, home is not a safe place and the added COVID-related stress and economic hardship exacerbates domestic violence. I am pleased that the Government of Canada, out of concern for the safety of these women, increased funding to 10 organizations, like SWAN Vancouver and WISH Drop-In Centre, who provide gender-based violence services here in Vancouver,” said Dr. Fry.
“Gender-based violence remains an intolerable scourge in Canada, one that has been exacerbated by COVID-19. That’s why our government moved swiftly to ensure that 1000 organizations providing services to 3 million women and children fleeing violence could access the support they needed to keep their doors open. I am deeply grateful to those working tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable as they navigate this challenging time. As we move into the next phase of this crisis, our government will continue to focus on helping those who need it most, including ensuring that women and others hit hardest are at the centre of our recovery,” Hon. Maryam Monsef stated.
The unprecedented rise in sexual and domestic violence created by COVID-19 and the pressure on organizations is why our government acted immediately to ensure that they can keep their doors open and provide essential services and supports at this difficult time. Across the country, nearly 1000 similar organizations have been funded.
The Vancouver organizations are WISH Drop-In Centre, SWAN Vancouver, Battered Women’s Support Services, ISS of BC, Family Services of Greater Vancouver, Justice for Girls Outreach Society, MOSAIC, PHS Community Services Society, RayCam Community Association, and Reach Community Health Centre.
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Contacts
Julia Al-Kuwatli
Communications Assistant
Office of the Hon. Hedy Fry, P.C., MP
604-999-0244
Marie-Pier Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Hon. Maryam Monsef, P.C., MP
613-295-8123
