Durham Regional Police Service to receive $150,000 to expand services for victims of domestic and gender-based violence

BRANDON CLARK The Standard Intern

DURHAM: The Provincial Government is investing over $3 million to support victims and survivors of crime. The funding is being delivered through the Victim Support Grant program and will include $150,000 for the Durham Regional Police Service.

Project COMFORT will give Durham Regional Police Service, collaborating with Bethesda House, the ability to immediately provide long-term shelter to survivors of trauma, sexual violence, and human trafficking. This will give security and trauma-informed support to those who need it the most. Victim Services of Durham Region will receive $23,000, to support the development of the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, through this investment.

The Victim Support Grant is part of Ontario's Guns, Gangs, and Violence Reduction strategy, complementing the province's $307 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2020-2025 and Combating Human Trafficking Act 2021.

“Project COMFORT assists DRPS and our community partners, Victim Service of Durham Region and Bethesda House, to better serve and support victims of intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, and human trafficking/child abuse. This funding supports multi-sectoral teams [so they may in turn] support these vulnerable populations. It also ensures we have the necessary tools and technology to conduct effective investigations, especially when facing increased disclosures and the use of ever-changing technology, such as cellphones,” said Chief Peter Moreira, of Durham Regional Police Service.

The funding will support teamwork between Victim Services of Durham Region, the Durham Regional Police Service, and Bethesda House for the addition of a shelter bed in Bowmanville. This is to be used in acute crisis situations, where Victim Services of Durham Region is present and a victim needs immediate shelter.

“Having immediate access to safe housing empowers victims and survivors to escape abuse, the moment they’re ready. It eliminates the heartbreaking choice between safety and shelter. With shelters across the province regularly operating at full capacity, this funding is not just helpful, it’s essential for protecting lives and ensuring community safety,” said Executive Director Riley Spigarelli, of Bethesda House.

The VSG program supports victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and/or domestic violence, hate crime, sexual assault, human trafficking, elder abuse and other crimes. All municipal and First Nation police services, as well as municipalities policed by the Ontario Provincial Police, are eligible to apply for funding through the VSG program.

“Our government recognizes the devastating impact crime can have on its victims and survivors,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “Through this grant program, we’re helping to ensure victims of crime feel safe and supported.”

To learn more about this, contact the Office of Peter Bethlenfalvy, at 905-509-0336 or at Peter.bethlenfalvyco@pc.ola.org. You can also contact the Office of Todd McCarthy, at 905-697-1501 and douglas.ellis@pc.ola.org.