Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis has received $322,387 in provincial funding to prevent human trafficking – and help survivors – in the region.
The funding, announced by Guelph MPP Liz Sandals on Oct. 2, is part of the Anti-Human Trafficking Community Supports Fund and represents “a significant milestone” in Ontario’s four-year strategy to end human trafficking announced in June 2016, officials say.
“The Ontario government stands with survivors, and with communities and partners such as Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis, that work on prevention and supporting those affected,” Sandals stated in a press release. “It is so critical that survivors of human trafficking have access to the services they need to leave a life of violence and exploitation.”
In Guelph, the funding will help pay for outreach, education and prevention, as well as system navigation and stabilizing supports for survivors of human trafficking.
“Some people may be shocked to learn that human trafficking takes place in Ontario, but it’s no surprise to our partners who have been working with survivors for years,” stated community and social services minister Dr. Helena Jaczek.
“This support means specialized staff and resources will be available to help survivors move through trauma so they can live freely and in control of their own lives.”
Ontario is providing approximately $18.6 million to 44 partners and agencies for projects lasting up to three years as part of the strategy to end human trafficking.
Ontario is a major centre for human trafficking in Canada, accounting for more than two-thirds of cases nationally, states a press release from the province.
Of Ontario’s reported cases of human trafficking, most are for the purpose of sexual exploitation, and the majority of survivors in these cases are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
In Ontario, Indigenous women and girls are among the most targeted and overrepresented groups of trafficked individuals, officials say.
