Tories to place focus on domestic violence

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/11/2018 (2678 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Progressive Conservative government will signal its intention to enhance supports for victims of domestic violence in today’s speech from the throne, the Free Press has learned.

A government source refused to provide any details Monday, although the news comes at a time when funding for provincial shelters is stagnant and there are renewed calls for greater co-ordination among government departments and non-profit agencies to address the complex societal issue.

Deena Brock, provincial co-ordinator for the Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters, said her members have not seen an increase in core government funding for 13 years.

“It’s difficult for the small shelters to operate with the existing funding,” said Brock, who hopes any new program the government may be contemplating does not come at the expense of funding to existing facilities.

She said the province’s 10 shelters and other existing organizations, such as women’s resource centres, could deliver the anticipated new programming with a boost in funding.

“The infrastructure is there. Why not… put the money into existing programs and make them more effective or make them available to more people by having more staff to do the work?” Brock said.

Nicole Chammartin, executive director of Klinic Community Health, said the community is likely to be appreciative of any new programs to deal with domestic violence.

“We need more investments in the sector,” she said Monday, although she added she hopes the government doesn’t stop there.

“I hope that behind that, what we’ll see is a larger plan about how we can all engage in trying to address what is a really widespread issue.”

In last fall’s throne speech, the Pallister government promised to create an ending gender-based violence committee of cabinet, led by the minister responsible for the status of women (Rochelle Squires).

Those working in the field saw that as a sign the government would bring together people from various departments and agencies to develop a co-ordinated action plan, although Chammartin said she’s not seen a lot of movement along those lines yet.

“I think that kind of co-ordinated approach and a plan on gender-based violence is really what’s required now,” she said. A co-ordinated approach would include everything from prevention — including how children are taught about respect — to ensuring those needing the services of shelters get it, she added.

The throne speech, to be delivered by Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon, is scheduled to begin around 1:30 p.m. It kicks off the fourth session of the 41st Manitoba legislature.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca