Interval House of Hamilton has been announced as a successful recipient of funding allocated by the Women and Gender Equality Canada: Feminist Response and Recovery Fund. The funds will expand the programs of MentorAction and focus on preventative measures aimed to reduce the risk of gender-based violence.
Building on the current successes of MentorAction’s “Be More Than a Bystander” initiatives, the additional funding will allow for the scaling up of programs that engage youth and allies to #bemorethanabystander. In partnership with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, FORGE FC and the Hamilton Bulldogs, trained professional athletes will work and mentor the city’s youth to stand up and speak out against gender-based violence. Additionally in collaboration with McMaster University, the campus Special Constables will receive enhanced gender-based violence and sexual violence training, as well as trauma informed supportive response training.
“It is an exciting time for MentorAction to be able to expand the current work plan. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected women and has increased their level of risk for violence and abuse, while decreasing their economic stability. Investing in prevention programs that reduce the risk of gender-based violence is one step in addressing the harms women experience.” Sue Taylor – Interval House of Hamilton