A safe space for Windsor-Essex victims of abuse and violence has received a boost from Queens Park.
The Windsor Essex Child/Youth Advocacy Centre (WECYAC) has received $137,757 from the Grant to Support Child Victims of Gun and Gang Violence.
The grant was announced Wednesday by Windsor-Tecumseh MPP Andrew Dowie.
"I’m happy to celebrate the success of the Windsor Essex Child and Youth Advocacy Centre with this new funding in support of our most vulnerable youth," said Dowie. "This funding will help our Youth Advocacy Centre in their work to deliver accessible, culturally appropriate support services to our youth who are the victims of criminal behaviour in our community."
The grant will support initiatives including expanded support for counselling victims of gun and gang violence, support for those affected by human trafficking, create culturally sensitive resources to help affected people navigate the justice system, and provide specialized training to staff.
According to Stats Canada, family violence against children and youth increased by 38 per cent between 2014 and 2022.
The WECYAC's grant is among $1.4-million being handed out provincewide to support victims of gun violence, gang violence, and human trafficking.