NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2005MCAWS0020-000265 March 21, 2005	Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services
COMPUTER FUNDING HELPS WOMEN ESCAPING VIOLENCE

VICTORIA – Women in transition houses or using Stopping the Violence counseling services will have better access to online information and resources as the result of $200,000 in provincial funding to upgrade computers, software and Internet access, minister of state for women’s and seniors’ services Wendy McMahon announced today.

 

            “This funding is especially important in rural and remote communities where high-speed Internet services are just coming online,” McMahon said. “It means women will be better able to access relevant information and can better communicate with other women, agencies and different levels of government. This is something our service providers asked for, and we have responded.”

 

Eligible groups include transition houses, safe homes, Stopping the Violence counselling programs and outreach services. The funds can be used to upgrade hardware and software, and for installation and training, and Internet and e-mail capacity. The funding comes from the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services violence prevention budget for 2004/05.

 

To qualify for a technology grant of up to $1,500 each, applicants must be a non-profit society, health authority, or First Nation currently under contract to provide a transition house, safe home, outreach services or counselling program for women who have experienced abuse or children who witness abuse. They must also be able to provide a secure location where women can access computer services.

 

Applications can be submitted to the BC/Yukon Society of Transition Houses or the B.C. Association of Specialized Victim Assistance and Counselling Programs, which will jointly administer the fund, assess applications and award the grants. 

 

Starting April 1, the provincial government will provide a total of $45.5 million annually for direct essential programs to help women and children escaping violence and abuse. The increase of over 33 per cent is the first significant boost in funding for these programs in over ten years. Additional funding will go to transition houses, safe homes, an increase in counselling for women and children and expanded outreach services. 

-30-

1 factsheet(s) attached.
Media contact:	Marisa Adair Communications Director Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services 250 953-3677
Visit the Province's website at www.gov.bc.ca for online information and services.