Increased funding for Victim Services

Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services is pleased to announce that the Ministry of the Attorney General, Ontario Victim Services Secretariat, has increased its core funding by $45,000. The Ministry of the Attorney General has funded Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services at the same level for the past 12 years.

The not-for-profit organization works in partnership with the Caledon and Dufferin detachments of the Ontario Provincial Police and the Orangeville and Shelburne Police Services. Although most referrals to the organization are from police, the agency does assist individuals who selfrefer. Executive director Doreen Young adds that "most citizens believe that funding for this agency comes from the police services' budgets, however, this is not the case. Although our Victim Services offices are housed in the Caledon OPP, Orangeville Police Service and Shelburne Police Service buildings, the 17- year-old agency has to rely on multiple sources of revenue to enable the agency to continue to offer its much needed programs and services. The agency, like all other not-for-profit organizations, relies on fund-raising and donation revenue."

Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services offers a variety of services including a 24- hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week, crisis support, practical assistance, information and referral program to victims of crime, tragic circumstance and disaster. Agency representatives provide immediate one-on-one assistance to help victims deal with problems arising from a criminal act or tragic situation.

The agency is able to provide Domestic Violence Emergency Response System (DVERS) alarms and SupportLink wireless telephones to those at high risk of domestic violence, sexual assault and harassment. The agency has recently been selected by the Ministry to provide immediate funds to victims of crime in Caledon and Dufferin the newly created Victim Quick Response Program.

For more information or assistance, please call 905- 951-3838.