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Ontario Investing in New Supports to Address Gender-based Violence

$6.7M investment will support community initiatives that help prevent violence and support survivors in London, ON

NEWS

April 24, 2025

LONDON, ON — The Ontario government is taking action to prevent and address gender-based violence in London by investing $6.7 million over three years in 3 new and innovative projects.

The projects being funded in London are:

  • John Howard Society of London and District will receive $365,500 to assist on expanding the Prevention of (STOP) Violence Program
  • The University of Western Ontario will receive $2,526,486 to expanding the iHEAL Program: a proven and inclusive pathway for improving the safety, health and well-being of women experiencing IPV in rural and urban contexts
  • St. Joseph’s Health Care will receive $3,828,037 to enhance their services

“Our government is continuing to take action to end gender-based violence in all its forms,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “I’m proud that Ontario is funding new and innovative projects across the province that will prevent gender-based violence before it occurs. These projects tackle the root causes and are critical to breaking the cycle of abuse. Together with community partners, we are supporting local solutions and building safer and healthier communities for generations to come.”

This investment is part of Ontario’s actions to better respond to violence, build safer and healthier communities, and support women’s well-being and economic opportunities through Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence.

“Gender-based violence has no place in our communities, and this investment represents a vital step forward in addressing it,” said Steve Pinsonneault, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex. “By supporting innovative, evidence-based programs like those at the John Howard Society and Western University, our government is helping to create real, lasting change. These initiatives will not only support survivors but also focus on prevention—building safer, stronger communities for everyone.”

QUICK FACTS

  • Ontario is investing approximately $98 million in up to 83 new initiatives across the province that will focus on building safer communities, stopping gender-based violence before it happens, and helping survivors to recover and rebuild their lives. The ministry is currently working to confirm project details and funding agreements with the organizations that will deliver the new initiatives.
  • This funding builds on Ontario’s existing investments of $1.4 billion over four years in community support programs that prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. The investment is part of Ontario’s $162 million agreement with the federal government to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.

QUOTES

“By strengthening community-based services and improving economic security for survivors, our government is continuing to help prevent violence and support survivors so they can heal, rebuild their lives, and achieve financial stability for themselves and their families. I look forward to seeing how these new projects and their innovative approaches will help address gender-based violence in communities across Ontario.”

– Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence

Get help if you are experiencing violence

OFFICE CONTACT

Email: steve.pinsonneault@pc.ola.org
Strathroy: 519-245-8698
Wallaceburg: 519-627-1015