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Feds give $250K to stop violence against women in Surrey

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SURREY — In an effort to address violence against women in Surrey, the federal government has donated $250,000 to the Surrey Women’s Centre (SWC) Society to improve services for females who have experienced physical and sexual assault.

The funding was announced Friday at a press conference by Dr. K. Kellie Leitch, Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women, along with Fleetwood-Port Kells MP Nina Grewal.

“Our government is committed to protecting women and girls from violence,” said Leitch. “That is why we are holding offenders accountable for their actions, and supporting community-based projects across Canada that address violence against women.”

The SWC, located in Whalley, offers counselling services to victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault and other forms of violence. The $250,000 will go toward increasing medical, legal and social intervention for victims.

“We are very pleased to have this Government of Canada support for our project, which will increase safety in our community by improving the co-ordination of care for women and girls who experience gender-based violence,” said Sonya Boyce, executive director of the SWC. She added that until now, there has not been an effective network of these services in the region.

According to the SWC’s website, women who are assaulted are less likely to report the violence to the police or seek medical treatment than victims of other crimes.

“Most women suffer silently or rely on family and friends for support,” reads the site. “Too often many are left without the immediate emotional support and practical assistance they desperately need.”

Since 2007, more than $62 million has been approved by the federal government for projects to end violence against women.

“Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that touches us all,” said Grewal. “Through this project, the Surrey Women’s Centre Society is providing effective, targeted, and community-based support to address violence against women and girls across the region.”