Education campaign targets violence against women

YorkRegion.com
Jan. 12, 2015
Chris Traber

A new public education campaign designed to help immigrants learn the warning signs of woman abuse will benefit York Region newcomers, the province says.

Ontario is investing $836,500 over two years to support 10 programs through the Neighbours, Friends and Families Campaign, a quintet of York Region MPPs said at the program’s Wednesday launch.

The initiative will reach out to diverse communities by developing products and activities that are accessible and relevant to newcomers, Oak Ridges-Markham MPP Dr. Helena Jaczek said.

Funding will benefit York Region residents through four programs.

COSTI Immigrant Services will receive $70,500 to deliver the campaign to English language class instructors and students. The Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants will use $100,000 to support provincial co-ordination of campaign activities and to develop and maintain the campaign immigrant and refugee website. Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto also received $100,000 to promote the campaign in South Asian communities in the GTA, York and Durham regions. Social Services Network York Region will apply $60,000 to help raise awareness in diverse communities about how to recognize the signs of woman abuse and how to intervene.

These are among 10 programs across the province being delivered to Francophone, Aboriginal, immigrant, and refugee communities throughout Ontario, Newmarket-Aurora MPP Chris Ballard said.

“Violence against women and girls is a serious issue that affects every community in Ontario,” he said. “Through culturally relevant education campaigns, members of our community can learn both how to help each other and where to seek help.”

Ending violence against females is vital, Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca said. Expanding the education and awareness of recognizing the signs of abuse within diverse communities through programs that use cultural and linguistically accessible strategies is an important investment, he added.

SIDEBAR

To learn more, visit citizenship.gov.on.ca.