Government and community working together to improve 
services for persons who are victims of violence

Gerald Smith, Minister of Human Resources and Employment, announced today the establishment of a new working group that will focus on how the income support program can more effectively meet the needs of persons who are victims of violence.

"Since 1998, the Department of Human Resources and Employment has been redesigning its income support program to better meet the needs and concerns of clients," said Minister Smith. "The Victims of Violence working group will focus on reviewing and assessing the income support program and how to better meet the needs of persons who are victims of violence. For many victims, securing access to appropriate financial support is critical to ensuring their immediate safety."

Those actively participating in this process include a diverse representation of community advocacy and support groups, including representatives from various transition houses across the province, the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women and the Women's Policy Office. In addition to Human Resources and Employment, the working group also includes representatives from other government departments, including Health and Community Services and Justice. 

"Many of the changes in the redesign of the income support program affect vulnerable groups," said Joyce Hancock, president of the Provincial Advisory Council on the Status of Women. "Including women's organizations who work with vulnerable groups is one way to ensure that the knowledge from community based groups is used to guide the direction of the department." 

"I think this is a very important step in the redesign of our income support program," said Minister Smith. "Financial support is only part of a range of services that a person experiencing violence may need. The advice and recommendations from the Victims of Violence working group will ensure the income support program is responsive to the needs of this client population."

The Victims of Violence working group will also examine referral processes and linkages with other services within government and local communities. 

"This is a great example of government and the community working together to improve and strengthen supports for victims of violence," said Minister Smith. 

The Victims of Violence working group has commenced its work and will meet monthly, with a report to be prepared for the minister early in the new year. 

Media contact: Paul Power, Communications, (709) 729-6156.

2001 07 25                                                   3:40 p.m.