Sexual Assault Centre Waiting on Funding

Feb 23rd, 2019

By: Tristen Randall 

The Niagara Region Sexual Assault Centre continues to wait for their share of funding promised by former Premier Kathleen Wynn almost a year ago.

Counselling services are being sought by nearly 200 victims of sexual assault. The demand is extremely difficult for the centre to keep up with, as there are currently two-and-a-half full-time equivalent counsellors available in the entire region. With the funding received, the centre would be able to hire another full-time counsellor.

After Doug Ford was elected, the provincial government has not given any notice to the Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres on whether or not the funding will be issued. All the while, the demand for counselling services continues to grow not only in Niagara, but across Ontario.

Although hospitals do provide a somewhat similar service, many of those requesting counselling have trauma that dates back several years and has severely impacted daily life. With cases like this, it can take a lot of time, and trust, to truly overcome these issues.

A crisis line is available 24-hours for those who need immediate assistance. 905-682-4584.

For more information, please visit: niagarasexualassaultcentre.com