NDP would help fund 24/7 centre for female victims

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/03/2016 (3771 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The NDP pledged support Tuesday for the development of a 24/7 women’s drop-in and support centre in Winnipeg’s inner city.

The announcement, made by St. Johns candidate Nahanni Fontaine, followed a demonstration Thursday at the Legislative Building in support of demands for such a facility.

“Women need more options when they’re facing gender-based or domestic violence, and our society needs to do more to protect Indigenous women,” Fontaine said. “We’re committed to working with front-line community agencies to address violence against women and create more safe spaces, because everyone matters.”

About 100 people marched from Mount Carmel Clinic on Main Street to the legislature on Thursday to demand a round-the-clock centre to support victims of domestic violence. A community coalition has called for such a facility since 2007.

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

Paul Samyn | Editor's Note

Wednesdays

A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom.

Sign up for Paul Samyn | Editor's Note

Sign Up

I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

When asked last week about the group’s demands, NDP Leader Greg Selinger expressed support for a safe house without making a specific commitment.

However, on Tuesday the NDP said it would devote a portion of a $1 million pool of funds allocated to help end gender-based violence towards the development of a 24/7 facility. The party said it would work with community groups to help create the drop-in and support centre.