MARKHAM – Several police services and local not-for-profit victim service agencies in central Ontario have received grants to enhance the monitoring and tracking of high-risk offenders and improve victim services in their communities.

The Victim Safety Project (VSP) is a province-wide, joint initiative between the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General. Grants are available to municipal and First Nations police services that are partnering with not-forprofit, community-based victim service agencies.

VSP will invest just over $2.8 million on 26 projects to enhance victim services where gaps in victim safety have been identified, including approximately $353,000 for three projects in central Ontario with a $129,000 grant for one project in York Region. All projects will be completed by July 31, 2010. Funding for VSP comes from fine surcharges, including traffic violations, imposed under the Provincial Offences Act and Criminal Code of Canada.

“This initiative demonstrates our government’s commitment to promote a safe and secure society. Investing in measures that encourage the safety of our community members, particularly those who have been victimized by crime, is a critical step towards this goal,” said Dr. Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges – Markham.

"These initiatives address the need for victims of crime and domestic abuse to feel secure in their homes and protected in their communities," said Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci.

"The local projects funded through the Victim Safety Project grants will provide significant services to victims of violent crime who are at greatest risk, including victims of sexual offencesand domestic violence. This program will help to improve victim safety through innovative solutions developed in communities across the province," said Attorney General Chris Bentley.