Ontario funds victims of domestic abuse in South Asian community

The Ontario government will provide a $150,000 grant to help women in the South Asian community get out of domestic violence situations, forced marriages or human trafficking.

Attorney General Chris Bentley says the money will help the South Asian Women's Centre in Toronto develop materials for women in vulnerable situations in a culturally sensitive manner.

The agency, which provides language, employment and transition services, will work with police, shelter workers and other staff to promote a guide that will be translated into five South Asian languages.

The guide will also be available online at the centre's website, and can be used as a model to develop products to serve other communities.

The money comes at the request of the centre after the federal government cut $44-million in funding to various community agencies, including the South Asian Women's Centre.

Earlier this month, Mr. Bentley announced plans for an Integrated Domestic Violence Court to serve people who are dealing with family court issues as well as criminal charges related to domestic abuse.

In March, the government also promised $15-million over four years to help prevent sexual violence and improve support for survivors of sexual assault.