Ontario is making sure victims of domestic and violent crimes are not being left behind during the COVID-19 crisis.
The province announced $4 million in funding on Thursday to support victims of crime and to protect essential frontline staff in the justice system.
Attorney General Doug Downey said victims will get $2.7 million.
"Staying home is unfortunately not always the safest option in certain households and sadly a recent increase in domestic violence has been reported to front-line victim service organizations," said Downey. "This emergency payment will ensure victims of crime, particularly those who are experiencing domestic violence, get the help they need to stay safe and healthy during this crisis."
The province said this additional one-time emergency payment will help more than 50 community agencies across Ontario, including victim crisis assistance organizations (VCAOs), Indigenous organizations and those based in rural areas, stay operational and accessible to victims during the public health crisis. Funds will help front-line staff respond to challenges caused by the COVID-19 crisis and enhance access to immediate supports for victims, including extended hotel stays, and transportation and meal vouchers available through the Victim Quick Response Program Plus (VQRP+).
"During the COVID-19 health emergency, victim service providers are seeing a spike in domestic violence cases just as victims are left with fewer and fewer places to turn for help," said Ontario Network of Victim Service Provider President Sheri MacDonald. "The Attorney General and his staff understand what we're facing on the front lines and his cooperation and decisive action make a true difference for our clients."
Another $1.3 million will go to technology to help courts and tribunals continue the transition to remote operations, including more laptops, conference lines and doubling the complement of digital recording devices for court use.
The province said Ontario's courts and tribunals continue to shift to audio and video conferencing to hear priority matters. All matters involving individuals held in custody are now being held remotely to remove the need for transportation and transfers between correctional facilities and courthouses. Ontario is also working to expand e-filing tools.
"I want to thank the Superior and Ontario Courts of Justice, the Court of Appeal, Tribunals Ontario, front-line workers, including the province's dedicated crown attorneys and committed court staff, and other partners for working with our government to limit attendance at courthouses and enforce strict physical distancing measures to protect essential workers in the justice system and keep all Ontarians safe," Downey added.