Government of Canada provides assistance to at-risk women in Abbotsford
ABBOTSFORD, BC, May 22, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting at-risk women and ensuring those in vulnerable situations have access to the help they need to lead safe and healthy lives. Today, Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Mission ? Matsqui ? Fraser Canyon, on behalf of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, announced $3.75 million for the Women Exiting Abuse, Violence and Exploitation (WEAVE) program. The WEAVE program is being delivered by the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, in collaboration with Abbotsford Community Services and SARA for Women.
WEAVE provides services to help vulnerable women successfully exit the sex trade through individualized programming to overcome barriers, and assists them with transitioning to a life of economic stability and increased health. This five-year project, which began in 2016, will reach up to 158 women aged 18 and older who will commit to exiting the sex-trade.
Quotes
"We are proud to support programming that will make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable women facing sexual exploitation in this region. Through the WEAVE program, at-risk individuals will have access to support and opportunities to exit the sex trade and build a healthy lifestyle. Our government is committed to keeping our communities and citizens safe through community-led programs that are proven to reduce harm and crime in Abbotsford and the Fraser Valley as a whole."
? Jati Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Mission ? Matsqui ? Fraser Canyon
"Without specialized support, exiting a life of sexual exploitation can be nearly impossible for vulnerable women. Programs like WEAVE can be life-changing, both for women and for their children. By funding WEAVE, the Government of Canada is helping truly marginalized women build stronger, brighter futures."
? Shawn Bayes, Executive Director, EFry Vancouver
"WEAVE continues to be a much needed addition to the support network for the most at risk vulnerable women in Abbotsford. The women supported by this program have experienced significant violence and trauma, often finding themselves trapped in the sex trade to survive. WEAVE provides hope and empowerment when the women make the decision to embrace a healthier life and are ready to make positive changes for themselves and their children."
? Rod Santiago, Executive Director, Abbotsford Community Services
Quick Facts
- Funding was provided under the Crime Prevention Action Fund, which supports innovative projects for at-risk children and youth, and high risk offenders in communities.
- The National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) provides national leadership on cost-effective ways to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities by intervening to mitigate the underlying factors that put individuals at risk of offending.
- The Government of Canada is making up to $94 million available over five years to develop inclusive, diverse, and culturally-adapted crime prevention projects across Canada.
- From April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, the Government of Canada supported 84 community-based crime prevention projects across Canada.
- Up to $42.6 million has been committed in 2018-2019 to support NCPS in the implementation and evaluation of crime prevention programs.
Associated Links
SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
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