Province gives $9.2 million to groups trying to prevent gender-based violence
Money will go toward transitional housing, education, outreach and training
The New Brunswick government is putting an additional $9.2 million into efforts to prevent gender-based violence.
Lyne Chantal Boudreau, the minister responsible for women's equality, made the announcement Monday in Maple Hills, northwest of Moncton, saying some of the money will improve access to shelter and other help.
"It will help meet the growing demands for support, while improving the reach, quality, and accessibility of essential services," said Boudreau, whose own experience includes being a survivor of intimate partner violence.
The funding brings the budget for women's equality to a total of $23.6 million for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
"Gender-based violence can cross all culture and backgrounds," Boudreau said.
"That's the reason we are all working all together across the government of New Brunswick, all ministers and all departments, we are working together for make sure that all the people in New Brunswick feel safe."
The funding would go to organizations that help women and gender-diverse people directly, said Boudreau, speaking to a room full of staff from various organizations across New Brunswick working in the field of gender-based violence prevention.
The total amount includes $4.6 million for Crossroads for Women's transition house program, which offers emergency shelter and support to women fleeing violence. It also includes $1.5 million for Crossroads' second-stage housing program, which offers longer-term housing.
"We no longer need to do car washes or paint nights in order to keep the lights on," said Renée Charron, executive director of Crossroads.
Charron says Crossroads currently has 41 beds and is still forced to turn women away. She said this step by the government shows it is making gender-based violence prevention a priority.
"This means that they believe survivors, that they believe that women should not live in fear or live with violence, and should thrive," she said.
A step in the right direction
Additionally, $2.1 million has been allocated to gender-based violence outreach, which provides prevention, education and support services to victims of violence.
Also announced was $800,000 for improved access to community-based sexual violence services across the province.
"We're always just trying to put out the fire. Our job now is to have the opportunity to switch that hat and to really look at, what do our survivors need?" said Kristal LeBlanc, CEO of the Courage Centre in Shediac, which has helped more than 4,000 women.
"Four thousand too many."
The groups that receive the funding are able to use it for anything from client needs such as clothing and toiletries, to paying rent and training new staff.
"It's an investment that really shows that they understand the gravity of the situation and that domestic violence is an epidemic and that we need to do something about it or lives will be lost," said LeBlanc.
Boudreau said she realizes there's still a need for more funding in this area. Her ultimate goal would be to make funding announcements like the one on Monday unnecessary someday because there wouldn't be a need.
"I know it's not enough, for sure," she said. "But for us, it's a big, big step."
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