The following statement was made public on May 1, 2023, by Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community, and Social Services, and Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity:
“The month of May presents a significant opportunity for us to reaffirm our support for girls and women and to bring attention to the appalling act of sexual assault.
Tragically, statistics indicate that sexual violence affects one in three women and one in eight men in our nation. Individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole are devastatingly affected by sexual assault and gender-based violence. Victims of exploitation and violence must receive the assistance they need to recover and heal, and criminals must be held accountable through the legal system.
Our administration has no capacity to bear rape and other sexual offenses, and we are making a move to forestall and address savagery against ladies and orientation based brutality in all structures. Our ministry put more than $250 million into programs to help victims of violence and prevent violence just this past year. This investment supports and provides essential services throughout the province.
We would also like to express our gratitude to our community partners for their tireless efforts in assisting victims, survivors, and their children in rebuilding their lives.
As we mark Rape Counteraction Month, we urge individuals to have discussions with companions, partners and relatives about how we can all assume a part in halting orientation based brutality. We can work together to create a violence-free and opportunity-rich Ontario for everyone.
