Ontario is helping more women who are victims of sexual violence in Waterloo Region get access to social, healthcare and legal services in their own languages.
Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre is receiving provincial support through Ontario’s Language Interpreter Services (LIS) program to expand interpreter services so more survivors of sexual violence can now get assistance. The services are expanded to include victims of sexual assault and human trafficking. The government previously funded these services only for victims of domestic violence.
With the expansion dollars, the KW Multicultural Centre will be able to provide an additional 400 hours of language interpretation. This is in addition to their existing 3600 hours for victims of domestic violence.
The expansion also includes sign language interpreter services for women who are Deaf, oral deaf, deafened and hard of hearing.
Breaking down language barriers to provide women better access to the help they need is part of the McGuinty government’s Sexual Violence Action Plan, launched in March 2011.
QUOTES
"This funding ensures that any non or limited English speaking victim of sexual or domestic violence, will be able to access all services available in the community. It is a great move forward."
- Lucia Harrison, Executive Director, KW Multicultural Centre
“Women who have experienced sexual violence can now come forward in Waterloo Region and get the help they need, without a language barrier. This is another step our government is taking with our community partners to stop violence against women.”
- John Milloy, MPP Kitchener Centre
“Sexual violence crosses all social boundaries, affects women of every age and cultural background, and has devastating impacts on the lives of victims and their families. We are ensuring that every woman has access to the supports that she needs to move forward with her life.”
- Laurel Broten, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues
QUICK FACTS
- Ontario’s Language Interpreter Services program is available in more than 60 languages, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in person, by telephone or through teleconferencing.
- The KW Multicultural Centre will receive $60K in additional funding under this expanded service to assist 244 more women annually.
- The Kitchener Waterloo Multicultural Centre is located at 102 King Street West Kitchener and can be reached at (519) 745-2531, Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm, and Friday 9am - 12pm
LEARN MORE
Learn more about Ontario’s Language Interpreter Services program.
See how Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre is serving Waterloo Region
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CONTACT
Kelly Milne
Office of John Milloy, MPP Kitchener Centre
(519) 579-5460
kmilne@liberal.ola.org