WINNIPEG, MB, June 27,
2024 /CNW/ -
This news release deals with topics that may cause distress.
If you or someone close to you needs support, we encourage you to
reach out. Resources are available at
canada.ca/mental-health.
Sexual abuse of children is a heinous crime, with far-reaching
repercussions for victims, survivors, their families, their
communities, and society. By working with partners to provide
specialized services for victims, we foster a better understanding
of victims' needs and support healing.
Today, the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, along with Ben
Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre,
announced $624,450 in project funding
to Heartwood Healing Centre to improve services for victims of
childhood sexual abuse in Winnipeg.
This funding supports the continuation and enhancement of
Heartwood Healing Centre's Connect & Thrive Program.
This project provides alternative services to survivors of
childhood sexual abuse such as peer support and mentorship and
cultural activities, such as healing circles for Indigenous
participants, and educating staff to better address the unique
needs of Indigenous people. These enhancements are based on
knowledge gained from a Justice
Canada supported four-year pilot project.
Justice Canada is providing
$624,450 in funding for this project
over three fiscal years (2024-2027) through the Victims
Fund. Justice Canada previously provided $457,130 in funding over four fiscal years
(2020-2024) to develop and pilot the program, for a total of
$1,081,580.
The Victims Fund provides funding to support projects and
activities that aim to develop new approaches, facilitate access to
justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the
establishment of referral networks and increase awareness of
services available to victims of crime and their families.
Heartwood Healing Centre is a non-profit organization that
facilitates the healing journey of people who have experienced
childhood sexual abuse and increases society's understanding of
this form of trauma. They are the only organization in Manitoba whose mission is exclusively
dedicated to supporting youth and adults (16+) who have experienced
childhood sexual abuse.
Quotes
"Services provided by the Heartwood Healing Centre are critical
to reducing the impact of trauma and supporting the needs of
victims of childhood sexual abuse. This government supports
Heartwood's vision of a society without childhood sexual abuse, and
a country where all who have experienced this trauma will have
access to the resources they need."
The Honourable Arif Virani, P.C., M.P.
Minister of
Justice and Attorney General of
Canada
"All children and youth deserve to feel safe and secure,
especially those who have experienced sexual exploitation and
violence. The Government of Canada
is providing funding so that Heartwood Healing Centre can provide
trauma-informed interventions to support victims of childhood
sexual abuse. Their programs continue to make a difference in the
lives of victims of childhood sexual abuse in Manitoba."
Ben Carr,
Member of
Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre
"At Heartwood Healing Centre, we believe there are many
approaches to healing from childhood sexual abuse and know that
healing looks different for everyone. Our Connect & Thrive
Program, developed with funding from the Victims Fund, provides
opportunities for people to heal through meaningful connections
with peers, culture, and community. This program fosters the
development of natural support systems so people need formal
systems and services less often. We are very excited to build on
this much needed and successful program, adapting it based on
participant feedback, and incorporating cultural approaches to
healing for Indigenous people accessing Heartwood's services."
Heather Leeman,
Executive
Director
Heartwood Healing Centre
Quick Facts
- Justice Canada's Victims Fund
is part of the Federal Victims Strategy, a horizontal initiative
led by the Department of Justice
Canada that seeks to improve access to justice for victims
of crime and give victims a more effective voice in the criminal
justice system.
- Results from the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces
(SSPPS) found that about three in ten (27%) Canadians over age 15
have experienced childhood victimization, that is at least one
instance of physical or sexual abuse by an adult before age 15.
(Profile of Canadians who experienced victimization during
childhood, 2018, Statistics Canada)
- One-quarter (25%) of people 15 years and older in Manitoba reported in 2018 that they
experienced childhood abuse of at least one instance of physical or
sexual abuse by an adult before age 15. This is similar to all of
Canada, where 27% of Canadians
above 15 years reported they experienced childhood victimization.
(Profile of Canadians who experienced victimization during
childhood, 2018, Statistics Canada)
Links
Heartwood Healing Centre (English only)
Victims Fund – (Justice
Canada)
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LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Department of Justice
Canada