Ontario
Violence Prevention Grants

YWCA Peterborough Victoria & Haliburton
2008: $27,430
It has been estimated that 40% of women with disabilities have experienced some form of physical abuse (Stimpson & Best, 1991). Through this initiative up to 50 women living with disabilities and physical differences will explore the meaning of difference. Using images, stories and live performances they will engage health and social service providers, the media and the public in an effort to change public perception and ultimately reduce their vulnerability to violence.

Community MicroSkills Development Centre, Toronto
2008: $28,000
Community Microskills Development Centre is developing an employment services program which will offer practical employment skills to women who have left abusive relationships. During this first year of a three-year strategy, the organization will use research and consultations to develop the best tools, mechanisms and approaches for helping women establish economic independence. This program will help up to 150 women (mostly immigrant and refugee women) at four shelters in Toronto.

Kenora Sexual Assault Centre, Kenora
2008: $25,000
The Nokomis Art Healing Project will provide a safe and creative place for young Anishinaabe women to explore and articulate their experiences of sexist and racist violence through art and discussion. Sixteen workshops will be offered over four months in three “Treaty 3” communities and Kenora.  Workshops will be accompanied by a one-day group art healing session and a community art display. 

Springtide Resources, Toronto
2008: $22,675 (2007: $23,000)
This pilot project will offer workshops to help social service agencies (in Chatham-Kent, Belleville and Orillia) implement the best approaches for helping abused women who live with disabilities. Participants will explore issues related to accommodation and accessibility and will also receive sensitivity training to ensure that all women have access to services.

Sexual Assault Support Services for Women of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry and Akwesasne
2008: $28,000
This initiative will support young lesbian women in a rural community as they develop their sexual and gender identities. Outreach activities will include posters and pamphlets in schools and locations where young lesbians might meet, and group meetings for girls aged 12 to 18. To further develop the leadership capacity of young women in the community, a train-the-trainer program will prepare them to present nine weeks of peer support groups and workshops at the centre and in their schools. 

Sexual Assault/Rape Crisis Centre of Peel, Mississauga
2008: $23,531
This organization is undertaking two major innovations in their services. First, the crisis intervention team will be trained to deliver a phase-oriented approach to group counselling that will support women recovering from sexual trauma. The phases are clinically sequenced and correspond to the naturally unfolding stages of trauma recovery. In a separate but associated program, a psycho-social open group will be offered to incarcerated women, to create a forum for learning about the effects of trauma and to provide a range of skills to help women on their healing journey. 

Family Services à la famille Ottawa
2008: $25,000
This initiative will work with two school boards to integrate healthy relationship and dating violence programming into grade seven to nine curricula. Teachers will be trained to facilitate sessions during health and physical education classes, youth will lead school-based awareness activities, and a cross-board conference will bring together student leaders to learn, share and plan for the school year. 

CHADWIC Home, Wawa
2008: $25,000
This initiative will teach young Aboriginal men and women about the issues surrounding violence against women. Working in partnership with the Michipicoten First Nation, trained participants will then take part in community awareness projects to inform members of the community about the issue and educate them about how to access support and services.

Social Services Network, Mississauga
2008: $25,000
This initiative will offer culturally-sensitive workshops on healthy relationship for South Asian youth. Twelve of the participants will then be trained as volunteer violence prevention leaders so that they can make presentations to their peers. This community has been identified as a focus following the honour killing of a 16-year old Muslim girl by her father in December 2007.

North York Women’s Centre
2008: $10,000
The “More Than Just Girl Talk” project aims to provide young immigrant women with a safe space to discuss issues relating to safety, healthy relationships, personal boundaries, self-esteem, diversity, and discrimination.  The project incorporates two 10-week sessions offered in the fall and spring semesters at high schools in the inner suburbs of northwest Toronto. In each session 15 to 25 girls will take part in small group discussions, skill-building activities, art, and journaling. In the second session girls will design posters on the topic of safety and healthy relationships. The program material will be geared towards the specific needs of immigrant young women and will look at settlement issues they face including language barriers, racism, and isolation. One of the school sites is CW Jefferies, mentioned in the Toronto District Schools Board report on violence in schools, in part because of a sexual assault on a Muslim girl that was not reported to the authorities by the school administration.

New Starts for Women, Red Lake
2008: $28,000 (2006: $20,000)
New Starts will offer an internship to young women from a remote First Nations community. The program will train participants on supporting abused women (part of the training will take place in a shelter) and teach them to become women’s advocates in their own communities. Upon completion participants are given the opportunity to continue their education or return to their community and act as a support to other women.

Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre
2008: $25,500
HEART teaches girls aged 13 to 17 about dating violence prevention through art, group role play, individual assignments, video and discussion. The eight-week program covers topics including healthy and unhealthy relationships, communication and personal boundaries, gender stereotypes within the media, body image, bullying, internet safety, and self-esteem. The Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre hopes to expand the program to include teen girls who are currently unable to access the program due to transportation or cultural barriers. 

Lanark County Interval House, Carleton Place
2008: $28,000 (2006: $18,875, 2007: $23,000)
This initiative will offer nine support groups for children and youth aged four to 18. Each age-appropriate support group will help participants work through the trauma of having witnessed abuse in their homes.  Using role-play, videos, discussion and other forms of creative expression, the children and youth will learn about conflict resolution, healthy communication and personal safety. The group facilitator will also offer three support groups for mothers whose children are participating. Here, mothers will share information and resources, gain confidence in their parenting skills, and learn about custody and access issues, self-care, personal safety and the impact that witnessing violence has on children.

YWCA of Toronto – December 6th Fund
2008:$10,000 (2007: $20,000)
The December 6th Fund is a revolving loan fund, providing interest-free loans to women in the Greater Toronto Area and region of Peel. The loans can be used for rent, bills in arrears, hydro, furniture or moving expenses and are designed to remove some of the financial barriers that prevent women from leaving their abusers. Maximum loans are $750 and repayments are usually made in installments of $25 per month. The repayment rate has been 65% - 70%. The December 6th Fund was named in honor of the 14 women killed during the massacre committed by Marc Lepine at L’École Polytechnique in Montreal in 1989. 

Victim Services of Brant, Brantford
2008: $10,000 (2007: $20,000)
Established in 2007 with a grant from CWF, The Domestic Violence Rent Bank provides no-interest loans to help women leaving an abusive relationship establish an independent living. In partnership with the Housing Resource Centre, part of Ontario Works Brant, the interest-free loans of up to $1,500 can support rent, mortgage repayments, hydro and other bills. Support is given only when all other avenues of social assistance have been exhausted. The Housing Resource Centre also provides information on listings, legal matters and advocacy. Victim Services of Brant provides all associated administrative details: helping women with forms, issuing cheques, and following up on repayments.

United Way of London and Middlesex Community Loan Fund
2008: $28,000
The United Way of London and Middlesex has partnered with four community organizations (2 shelters and 2 groups offering settlement services) to establish the New Beginnings Loan Fund. The United Way will provide in-kind support for fundraising, evaluation, monitoring and ongoing stewardship of the loan fund. The loans will support any activity that deepens a woman’s safety as she rebuilds her life after abuse. This can include funding home safety upgrades, education and other needs. Each loan is administered by the individual partner group with oversight from an advisory committee.

Muskoka/Parry Sound Coordinated Sexual Assault Services
2008: $25,000
Survivors of abuse who live in rural areas are often isolated from services due to issues like lack of public transportation and child care. This initiative will bring the services to the women by offering group therapy and drop-in sessions in four rural communities around Muskoka and Parry Sound. Transportation will be provided when required and drop-in sessions will offer on-site child care.

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Peterborough (2007) $11,700
"Sexual Assault Survivor: Art Therapy Group" is an opportunity for women with developmental disabilities to work through emotional and psychological impacts of past abuse, by expressing themselves verbally and through art. They also gain strategies in how to deal with future risk of violence. There are up to six participants in each of the six 12-week sessions.

Victim Services of Brant, Brantford (2007) $20,000
“The Domestic Violence Rent Bank” provides no-interest loans to help women who have experienced violence establish an independent residence. Loans up to $1,500 help with start-up costs like first and last month’s rent, utility and phone deposits, furniture, upgraded door and window locks, and good outdoor lighting. The Rent Bank uses funds from repaid loans to lend out to new applicants.

Y’s WISH, Oshawa (2007) $12,600
"Girls Speak Out" is a violence prevention program for girls and teens, aged nine to 16 years. Participants explore a range of topics, including bullying, healthy relationships and eating disorders, and share experiences through discussion, games and writing. The program was developed in consultation with girls and women who are also involved in the management of the program.

Assaulted Women’s Helpline and OAITH (2007) $23,000
"Survivor Voices Step it Up" gives survivors a voice in changing public policy through grassroots activities, and prepares policy makers and legislators for their role in ending violence against women. Up to 150 survivors will be involved in developing strategies to end violence against women and raising awareness about equality issues.

Abrigo and Woman Abuse Council of Toronto (2007) $23,000
"Building Women's Voices in Social Change" gives survivors of abuse a voice in ending violence against women and helping to improve the effectiveness of community response to abuse. Participants are directly involved in the decision-making process and work other organizations to develop survivors’ committees. Up to 85 women are involved in the program which runs for one year.

Mishkeegogamang First Nation Pashkokogan Healing Lodge (2007) $23,000
"Women and Children Retreat Project" is a two-part program for women and children who have experienced abuse. A three-day outdoor retreat provides counselling for women and children, and offers education on prevention and breaking the cycle of violence. A six-week healing circle program offers weekly group sessions on prevention, skills development, and conflict resolution. As well, participants receive ongoing support to help them access other services and agencies. 16 women and children are expected to participate in this program.

Springtide Resources, Toronto (2007) $23,000
“Initiating Support for Female Victims of Human Trafficking in Ontario" is developing a network of women, who have been victims of human trafficking. Activities include producing an outreach strategy for reaching other victims, creating recommendations for gaps in services, and providing support to other women who have lived this experience. Participants face many barriers, and English may be their second language. Fifty women are expected to participate during this one-year project.

Lanark County Interval House (LCIH), Carleton Place (2007) $23,000
“Support Groups for Mothers and Children" helps women and children rebuild their lives after violence. Six children and youth support groups are designed for different age ranges and teach conflict resolution skills, safety plan development and facts about abuse. Participants also explore their feelings through art, role-playing and discussion.

There are also three support groups for mothers whose children are participating in a group. The women share information and resources, gain confidence in their parenting skills and learn about topics including custody and access issues, personal safety for children and self care. The groups are in session two hours per week for up to 12 weeks. Seventy participants are expected to be involved over the course of a year.

YWCA of Toronto December 6 Fund (2007) $20,000
The YWCA December 6 Fund provides loans and support to women and children who are victims of violence. Women receive a maximum loan of $750 to cover rent expenses and a maximum amount of $500 for moving expenses, documents and telephone deposits. These interest-free loans are paid back in small instalments (usually $25 a month) over a three-year period. Women also have access to other resources and supports that YWCA offers. The December 6 Fund recently merged with the Toronto YWCA to improve service and sustainability.

Maggie’s Resource Centre of North Hastings, Bancroft (2007) $20,000
"Young Women Thriving" helps girls and young women develop a healthy sense of self by giving them tools and techniques to live without violence in their lives. Topics include oppression of women, healthy relationships, gender stereotyping, dating violence, physical activity and life skills. Participants are consulted during the process to give them ownership of the program. Up to 10 girls and young women (aged 12 to 18) are expected in the weekly sessions and up to 30 in the monthly open meetings.

Women’s Rural Resource Centre of Strathroy & Area (2007) $20,000
"Accessing Choices" provides women with an interest-free loan and transportation fund to help rebuild their lives after experiencing abuse. Once approved, women enter a repayment agreement tailored to their needs, with a grace period available. The fund is self-sustaining and available to up to 220 women.

Centre for Research & Education on Violence against Women and Children (CREVAWC), London (2007) $22,880
"Intersecting Sites of Violence in the Lives of Girls" is a three-phase research initiative with the goal of improving the lives of girls and young women. This CWF funding is supporting the third phase: Web site development. Once completed, the interactive site will be used to share research findings obtained from the first two phases, and generate further research data by providing a venue for girls to share thoughts, experiences and creativity through discussion boards, monitored blogs and e-bulletin boards. Twenty five girls between 16 and 21 years of age are expected to be involved.

Sheatre, Southwestern Ontario (2007) $20,000
"Far From the Heart" is an interactive dating violence prevention program that uses participatory theatre, facilitated discussions, teacher training and in-class activities to educate youth about healthy sexual relationships. Developed and conducted in partnership with community agencies and youth, the program is delivered in high schools and other teen venues throughout primarily rural counties. Over 2000 young people are expected to participate.

Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence (METRAC) (2007) $20,000
"The Missing G" is a youth-driven program that empowers youth to engage directly with decision-makers in the community on the issue of violence against girls. Activities include making recommendations to municipal decision-makers, coordinating committees, school and police boards, community service provider networks and the media. Young women participate in all forms of decision-making within the program such as committees, forums and project coordination. One hundred girls and young women, aged 16 to 25, are expected to participate.

Atikokan Crisis Centre, Atikokan (2007) $7,495
"Young Women's Forum" provides weekly group sessions for seven young women aged 12-18 to promote self-esteem, encourage emotional growth and provide accurate information about women's issues. Sessions include guest speakers, discussion and crafts. Counselling referrals are made if required. Participants make up group rules and are encouraged to come up with topics of focus.

Planned Parenthood Society of Hamilton: $14,936 (2006)
The 'Me First' Pilot Program provides girls in detention with the skills to make good choices in life. The program emphasizes leadership development, healthy lifestyle and positive relationships. Upon release, the girls are able to integrate with the Planned Parenthood Peer Leadership Program.

New Starts for Women, Red Lake: $20,000 (2006)
This grant is helping 'New Starts' teach women, who have accessed the shelter, how to help their children heal from the trauma of witnessing domestic violence. New Starts is also providing a support group for children to attend.

Anne Johnston Health Station, Toronto: $22,000 (2006)
This initiative offers support groups for survivors of abuse who live with disabilities.
Through structured exercises and facilitated sessions, women participate in discussions related to their experiences of abuse, the interplay with disability, and their movement towards recovery.

Anne Johnston Health Station also offers workshops to agencies that serve survivors of abuse who live with disabilities.

Central Neighbourhood House, Toronto: $20,000 (2006)
This grant will help Central Neighbourhood House support DWAVE (Deaf Women Against Violence Everywhere) with a digital storytelling program for deaf women. In addition to developing technological skills, participants will have the opportunity to explore their personal and community experiences with violence. DWAVE will also lead a workshop on violence against young deaf women and girls using the stories as a teaching tool.

Women's Place Kenora: $10,000 (2005, 2006)
'Young Women & Real Power' is an opportunity for girls (mostly Aboriginal, or bi-racial) to get involved in the community, develop as grassroots leaders and organizers, and become increasingly adept at getting their voices heard. Key themes of the program include reducing isolation and improving access to services and positive learning experiences, building solidarity among young women, developing skills, interests and talents, and exploring issues of power and equality. Girls are encouraged to take positive action to improve conditions for themselves and others.

The Arab Community Centre of Toronto: $22,400 (2006)
This initiative helps women who have experienced abuse with support groups, financial and budgeting workshops, and a referral system that links participants with community organizations which will help them further rebuild their lives. Participants are enrolled for a full year, or until the staff feel that they are on their way to feeling independent and secure.

Lanark County Interval House, Carleton Place: $18,875 (2006)
This initiative is geared towards rural women and comprised of four series of five seminars which take place on a rotational basis around the county. The seminars address financial, legal, social, and personal issues for women who have experienced violence.

Community Living, Essex County: $18,800 (2005)
This program, for women and girls with intellectual disabilities, educates participants about developing personal boundaries, self-respect, building healthy relationships and identifying abuse. A small working group of community professionals and women with intellectual disabilities will also be established. This group will develop and coordinate workshops and teaching materials, including a violence prevention video.

Afghan Women’s Counselling and Integration Community Support Organization, Toronto: $19,240 (2005)
This program addresses the immediate needs of Afghan women who have experienced abuse and are not currently accessing related services. By offering this confidential and culturally sensitive service, women will feel supported and will access the necessary resources to confront their situation. The project consists of three components: active referral, guest speakers, and material translation. As well, the settlement staff will receive professional development related to family violence, enabling them to better serve their clients on a holistic level. Related materials will be created and translated into the relevant languages for the staff as well as the Afghan community.

Immigrant Women’s Centre, Ottawa: $13,000 (2005)
This program provides group support for women survivors of domestic abuse in four major languages. Participants are provided with knowledge, skills and tools to regain their confidence, reduce barriers of isolation and gain economic independence. Session topics range from cultural practices to confidence, assertiveness and self-esteem.

Elizabeth Fry Society of Ottawa $20,000 (2005)
The Hooked Up Youth project supports female youth who may be at risk of involvement in the sex trade industry. Youth mentors are brought on to undergo training around harm reduction, and effective peer mentoring. Staff teamed with peer youth mentors provide street-based outreach, information/education sessions, an after-hours crisis line and public education to minimize the impact of violence.

Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA), Toronto: $20,000 (2005)
The goal of this 3-year project is to provide a coordinated response to domestic violence service provision within the South Asian community. The goal of Year I was to develop a coordinated service model with partnering agencies that would be holistic, cohesive and culturally comprehensive in addressing the needs of women and children who experience and witness domestic violence. CWF funding has gone toward Year II which will formalize relationships between service agencies of the coalition. The primary activities of Year II are to implement the model as agreed upon by partners, document the process, conduct training, and conduct ongoing evaluation. The primary goal of Year III will be the continued implementation and refining of the service delivery coalition. Year III will include the production of a “Service Coalition Guidebook” to be shared at a conference at the end of the project.

Nimkii Naabkawagan Family Crisis Shelter, Sault Ste Marie: $21,500 (2005)
This program provides culturally-appropriate violence prevention for women and girls (age 11 and up) within Batchewana First Nation. The program is held weekly and offered to all three of the Batchewana First Nation Reserves. Participants learn about building healthy, equal relationships, preventing dating violence, and respecting diversity. The program includes a communication workshop to help youth develop problem solving/conflict resolution skills, prevent dating violence, and encourage the building of healthy relationships. As well, recreational activities like youth nights, art, sports and culture are included to provide alternatives to negative lifestyles and encourage family involvement.

Sexual Assault Centre for Quinte & District, Belleville $3,550 (2005)
This program provides low-income, rural and urban women, who are living with a mental illness or dual diagnosis, an opportunity to heal from the effects of violence in a group setting of their peers. Sessions address issues of violence, coping strategies, healthy relationships, prevention, education and community access.

YWCA Canada, Toronto: $10,000 (2005)
The goal of this project is to reach girls in 10 communities across Canada through sessions that are co-facilitated by a youth and a trained facilitator. Topics include healthy relationships, body image, self-harm and depression.

Luke's Place Support & Resource Centre, Oshawa: $13,325 (2005)
The Family Law Networking (FLN) Group is a 10-session, closed group for women who have left or are in the process of leaving an abusive relationship and have legal issues related to custody and access. The goal of this program is to empower women with information regarding the family court system, community and housing resources, abuse issues and safety planning. The additional access funding will be used to provide service to women who face multiple challenges, including women requiring interpretation services, women who reside in rural areas, and women who cannot physically access the facility due to disability or inaccessibility.

Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, Peterborough: $5,650 (2004)
This project is an Art Therapy Group for women with developmental disabilities who have experienced abuse and have difficulty verbally expressing their thoughts and experiences. The group will help them to voice and externalize their experiences and get support through the healing process.

Timmins & Area Women in Crisis, Timmins: $18,500 (2004)
This outreach program provides education, skill-building and leadership development to teens. The main activities of the project have been selected through consensus of all participants and include six components: Myths about Sexual Assault; Sexual Harassment; Romantic Code, Media, Peer Pressure, Wheel of Power and Control; Self-Esteem, Assertiveness, Communication; Date rape, Healthy Relationships vs. Unhealthy Relationships.

Guelph- Wellington Women in Crisis with Center for Families: $12,000 (2004)
Older women living in rural areas often face multiple barriers that leave them vulnerable to abuse. This project helps older women who are at risk of being victims of abuse to rebuild their lives. Facilitated by peers, this grassroots program is designed to empower participants by addressing topics identified by the group. Each session uses a “train the trainer” approach so that one or two participants in the group can be trained to facilitate. The objectives of the project are to increase the participants’ knowledge of social and community service support, increase their assertiveness techniques and problem-solving skills, and increase their perceived control over their own health and psychological well-being.

The December 6th Fund, Toronto $25,000 (2004)
The Loans Program is a unique and innovative project that helps women start a new life, free from abuse, by removing their financial barriers. The Fund helps them transition from a place of dependence to independence by providing an interest-free loan. Loans can be used for rent, phone and hydro deposits, moving expenses and other approved items. Women are expected to pay back the loan with small interest-free payments, and the money then goes to assist another woman in need. The December 6th Fund will monitor these women and will track progress and loan repayment. The average age of the women who use the December 6 Fund is between 30-39 years old.

METRAC/EWA, Toronto: $28,000 (2004)
This project is a joint initiative between METRAC (Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children) and Education Wife Assault. The goal of this 15- month project is to develop resources such as youth facilitators, workshop models and materials that promote the importance of preventing violence against women. Twenty young women and men will be recruited to participate in focus groups. Then they will be trained to deliver peer workshops and do media advocacy activities to educate diverse communities in the Greater Toronto Area on the issue of woman abuse, with a focus on Arab and Korean communities. In total, 400 women and 100 men, youth and adults will participate in focus groups and workshops across the Greater Toronto Area as youth consultants, community partners and participants in training sessions and workshops.

Kenora Sexual Assault Centre, Kenora $23,000 (2004)
Aboriginal women in Keewaywin live in a very isolated northern community which is accessible only by air. Women in this community face multiple challenges: 84% of them are victims of family violence, and the same women have an 80% chance of sexual violence before the age of 18. The goal of this 6-month project is to facilitate the development of a self-help empowerment and training model which allows women to heal and in turn serve as resources for their fellow community members. Approximately 15 women of the community will work with the facilitators to develop a culturally and geographically appropriate model. It will cover issues such as sexual abuse and culture, coping mechanisms, shame, blame, guilt, differences and alternatives, anger management, sexuality, and healthy relationships. The Centre will serve as a partner resource in this network, and will send a facilitator to the community twice a month for two days for a period of six months.