The Manitoba government is providing $5.6 million to support proposals from community organizations to deliver programs that address the diverse needs of victims, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.

“The needs of victims are diverse and far-reaching, and agencies working on the front lines delivering services are in an advantageous position to develop programming to support these individuals,” said Friesen. “This call for proposals will put funding and support in the hands of those who need it most.”

To be funded, projects must meet the criteria of one of the following funding streams:
•    Indigenous-led agencies developing projects to address violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people, a key Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) inquiry Call to Justice; and
•    community-based organizations developing projects to support victims of crime, including proposals for new and expanded work with victims of crime, gender-based violence, or in response to MMIWG inquiry recommendations.

The call for proposals is open to a wide variety of community-based organizations to ensure the greatest impact on victims of crime. Projects selected will help ensure victims of crime receive a range of community-based supports, which could include culturally-based, trauma-informed supports such as counselling and healing, legal information, crisis services, peer support and advocacy.

“COVID-19 has created new stresses in our homes and communities, which has unfortunately resulted in increased violence and victimization,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Cathy Cox, minister responsible for the status of women. “Our government is committed to ensuring survivors continue to have access to supports and services, especially at this critical time, and we are pleased to announce this funding for the agencies and service providers who deliver this important work.”

 
Applications must show how the goals and objectives of the project align with the funding priorities identified in Manitoba’s Victims Bill of Rights, including to:
•    promote, deliver and administer services for victims;
•    conduct research into the needs and concerns of victims and into services for victims;
•    distribute information respecting services for victims; and
•    make grants with respect to programs and services that benefit victims of crime.

This funding supports several key government priorities, including the 231 Calls for Justice from the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action, the Criminal Justice Modernization Strategy, as well as Manitoba’s Framework Addressing Gender-based Violence.

The $5.6 million comes from a reallocation of surplus funds from the Victim’s Assistance Fund, and supports the priorities of the province’s new Framework to Address Gender-based Violence. The framework will guide the integration of services and co-ordination of policies, legislation and initiatives across government, and aims to prevent gender-based violence by challenging the pervasiveness of abuse and addressing the underlying attitudes and norms that perpetuate it. More information about the framework is available at www.gov.mb.ca/msw.  

Application deadlines are Feb. 1 and Feb. 15 to provide sufficient time for agencies to prepare proposals. For more information or to apply online, go to https://www.gov.mb.ca/justice/vs/proposals/index.html, or contact Manitoba Justice Victim Services by phone at 204-945-6851 or toll free 1-866-484-2846, or by email at victimwitness@gov.mb.ca.

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