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To help victims of family violence access support services when they’re needed, the Manitoba government is introducing new resources and will make it easier for those at risk to obtain protection orders.
Attorney General Gord Mackintosh and Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross made the announcement Monday.
It comes less than a month after 20-year-old Selena Rose Keeper was killed in a violent assault on Flora Avenue near Salter. Her boyfriend, Ray William Everett is charged with second degree murder. It was later revealed Keeper was denied a protection order months earlier from her accused killer.
“Recent events, including the tragic death of a young woman, have shown protective orders aren’t always as accessible as they should be,” said Gord Mackintosh. “We want to hear from Manitobans who’ve had experience applying for protection orders. With their help and through consultations with police, justice officials and community groups, we will improve the process and better protect Manitobans who are at risk of family violence.”
“When someone needs help, it is essential they know where to get help as quickly as possible,” said Family Services Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross. “Recognizing that each person’s situation and needs are different, we are expanding and strengthening the range of resources throughout the province.”
The province also announced a total of $1.5 million to upgrade emergency shelters, including those in Selkirk, Winkler and Steinbach.
As well, the government says it will enhance victim safety by offering 55 mobile phones under its Cellphone Emergency Limited Link-Up Program and five secure two-day devices that allow those in emergency situations to press a button instead of calling 911.
“When someone needs help, it is essential they know where to get help as quickly as possible,” Irvin-Ross said in the news release.
“Recognizing that each person’s situation and needs are different, we are expanding and strengthening the range of resources throughout the province.”
Mackintosh and Irvin-Ross also announced a new information-sharing connection between the provincial Office of the Chief Veterinarian and victims’ services staff to identify potential links between animal abuse and family violence.
“If an animal protection officer observes any signs of possible domestic violence while investigating an animal abuse complaint, this will be quickly shared with victims’ services so they can reach out to offer support and referrals, where appropriate,” the government said in the news release.
The province also announced it will give $50,000 to the Family Violence Consortium of Manitoba to design and launch a public awareness campaign over the next year aimed at preventing family violence.
Agencies/Canadajournal
