Ontario Boosts Woman’s Abuse Prevention In London

McGuinty Government Invests In Domestic Violence Prevention for Workplaces

Employers and employees in London will soon be able to access additional resources and training on how to recognize and respond to domestic violence in their workplaces.

The province is supporting a workplace training program delivered through the Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children in London, that will give both employers and employees access to the information and tools they need to recognize the signs of abuse and take appropriate action.

Ontario is providing over $622,000 to the Centre, which will also reach out to help keep women safe in other communities including people with disabilities.

The program is an expansion of the Ontario government’s successful Neighbours, Friends and Families awareness campaign that is now in more than 170 communities across the province.

“I’m proud of the expansion of our Neighbours, Friends and Families Public Education Campaign into workplaces. By teaching employers and co-workers the signs of woman abuse and what they can do to help, this campaign can help save lives and improve productivity in our workplaces.”

Deb Matthews, MPP, London North Centre; Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues

“We know that domestic violence can follow women into the workplace. The Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign has developed a workplace engagement strategy to teach skills and responsibilities so that everyone in the workplace can respond in a helpful manner when this happens. “

Barb McQuarrie, Community Director, Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children

QUICK FACTS

• 70% of individuals suffering from domestic violence are victimized at work.
• The economic cost of violence against women to health, criminal justice and social services and in lost productivity is in the billions of dollars.

LEARN MORE

Find a local Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign near you or find out how to start one
in your community.

Read more about Ontario’s efforts to help ensure workplace health and safety.

Learn more about Violence Against Women.
Contact: Deb Matthews, MPP
(519) 432-7339