Two London MPs say the federal government is fighting gender based violence.
Peter Fragiskatos and Arielle Kayabaga announced a $2,032,118 investment in a program at Western that aims to assist women who have been victims of violence from their spouse or partner.
"Everybody deserves to have a safe home, free of violence. Children deserve to have safer futures." Kayabaga said at the news conference announcing the funding at Western on Thursday. "Our government is committed to working with communities and stakeholders across Canada to see this become a reality."
The money is going to the iHEAL program, which is aimed at helping women in the first six months after they leave an abusive relationship.
“Women who have experienced partner violence and its ongoing effects are not a “lost cause” – our iHEAL research shows that appropriate, tailored support can have short and longer-term benefits for women, including for their mental health. But effective interventions don’t necessarily translate well into real world settings without careful planning. With this funding, we aim to better understand how iHEAL can be offered as a successful and sustainable program across different types of service settings and in ways that are inclusive for women of many backgrounds. This is an important investment in strengthening community capacity to effectively support the health, safety and well-being of women who have experienced violence and inequity,” said Dr. Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, a Professor and Women’s Health Research Chair in Rural Health at Western.
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"Intimate partner violence is a scourge in our society," said London North-Centre MP Peter Fragiskatos at the announcement. "Nurses involved in dealing with it know it's victims and understand very well how to combat (violence). That's where the iHEAL program offers great potential."
They aim to help women who are leaving violent relationships by connecting them with supports they need and mental health assistance. Similar programs after offered New Brunswick and BC..
iHEAL is also supported by the Middlesex-London Health Unit.
