Durham police using $150K provincial grant to shelter domestic, gender-based violence victims

Bethesda House is getting an additional bed at their shelter in Bowmanville for someone who needs a place to go right away.

It’s thanks to new funding from Queen’s Park.

Durham police are receiving $150,000 through the Victim Support Grant program for Project COMFORT Police will work with Bethesda House so they can give victims of gender-based violence, sexual violence and human trafficking a place to stay short term without delay.

Victims Services of Durham Region is getting $23,000 from the investment to support the development of the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre. They will be working with Durham police on a joint gender-based violence awareness campaign. The funding will also add another bed at Bethesda House, which can be used in a crisis situation where Victim Services of Durham Region is on site and someone needs shelter right away.

“The safety of all Durham residents, modernizing the delivery of policing services and prioritizing crime prevention and victims of crime are vital components of healthy and vibrant communities,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby. “By equipping Durham Regional Police with the resources they need, we are strengthening frontline services and ensuring more compassionate, timely, and effective support for those impacted by violence and exploitation.”

“This investment is about ensuring families in Durham Region can count on timely, high-quality emergency care when they need it most,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge. “By supporting our local emergency departments, we’re strengthening frontline services and making sure help is always close to home.”

“Under Premier Ford’s leadership, our government is investing in programs that address the root causes of intimate partner violence, and support for victims and survivors in Durham Region,” said Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham. “This funding will strengthen the partnership between Durham Regional Police, Victim Services of Durham Region, and the Community Development Council of Durham to deliver monthly education sessions for newcomers and connect them with local resources.”

“Project COMFORT assists DRPS and our community partners. Victim Services of Durham Region and Bethesda House to better serve and support victims of intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, and human trafficking/child abuse,” said Durham Police Chief Peter Moreria.  “Not only does this funding support multi-sectoral teams to support these vulnerable populations, it also ensures we have the necessary tools and technology to conduct effective investigations, especially when facing increased disclosures and the use of ever-changing technology, such as cellphones.”