Youth victims of gun violence to recieve $1.4 million in new supports per Oshawa announcement

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Published March 15, 2024 at 2:03 pm

DRPS Human Trafficking Cruiser

According to an Ontario Government announcement in Oshawa today young victims of gun violence will see $1.4 million worth of additional support across the province.

Pickering MPP and finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy and Whitby MPP Lorne Coe announced the investment at the Victim Services of Durham Region Oshawa headquarters. The Grant to Support Child Victims of Gun and Gang Violence is designed “to help support young victims, witnesses and survivors of gun and gang violence, including human trafficking, and their families.”

In all Durham Region will receive nearly $124,000 of the total provincial fund. Each applicant will receive up to $150,000 to;

  • expand supports including counselling and safety planning
  • create culturally sensitive, relevant and accessible resources to help young victims navigate the justice system
  • deliver specialized training to staff who support child victims, and
  • support community coordination and partnerships

Of particular trouble in Durham Region over the last few years has been human trafficking. Durham Police were among the first services to launch a Human Trafficking Unit in November 2018, with support from Victim Services. In the time since the unit has reported a steep rise in cases.

Rates continued to rise. In 2019 they jumped 94 per cent, another 14 per cent in 2020 and 161 per cent more in 2021. Police investigated 289 human trafficking cases last year for a total of 183 charges filed against 81 suspects, a four per cent increase over 2022.

In one of the year’s most dramatic stings, the Human Trafficking Unit posted a fake online ad for sex with minors as part of their ongoing Operation Firebird. The ad received more than 6,600 clicks in four days and resulted in five arrests. Most recently police announced the arrest of an alleged human trafficker on March 13.

A 2022 Statistics Canada report found Ontario had the second-highest rate of human trafficking per capita in the country and represents 67 per cent of all cases.

“The number of children, youth and families impacted by Gun and Gang Violence and Human Trafficking in Durham is growing rapidly. Ensuring our Region has the specialized services required to mitigate the harmful impact of these crimes is essential,” said Executive Director of Victim Services of Durham Krista MacNeil.

Police Chief Peter Moreira agreed saying, “The impact of gun and gang violence on children and families is tragic. DRPS is steadfast in its commitment to the safety of all citizens and is proud to work alongside partners such as Victim Services of Durham Region.” He thanked Ontario for the funding boost.

 

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