Ontario Investing in New Supports to Address Gender-based Violence
April 25, 2025
$1.4 million investment will support community initiatives that help prevent violence and support survivors in Newmarket—Aurora
NEWMARKET — The Ontario government is taking action to prevent and address gender-based violence in Newmarket—Aurora by investing over $1.4 million over three years in 2 new and innovative projects.
One of these innovative projects is the SAVVY Pathways Project presented by BridgeNorth. It’s a survivor-led, community-based initiative designed to prevent sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth. Through psychoeducational groups, one-on-one peer mentorship, and targeted education for youth, parents, educators, and service providers, SAVVY Pathways reduces vulnerability, enhances safety, and equips communities to recognize and respond to risk.
The other project is “GO THRIVE GO” – an AI-based mobile app built for campus safety, mental health and preventing gender-based violence on campus. This AI-driven companion app designed to support those most vulnerable to abuse and violence. This comprehensive tool will integrate education, intervention, and prevention while being culturally responsive and trauma informed. Users will be empowered to recognize abusive behaviors early, get emergency assistance, and educate themselves on healthy relationships. It also equips communities and sectors with the knowledge and tools to intervene, thereby reducing the risk of violence and promoting long-term recovery.
“Our government is continuing to take action to end gender-based violence in all its forms,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “I’m proud that Ontario is funding new and innovative projects across the province that will prevent gender-based violence before it occurs. These projects tackle the root causes and are critical to breaking the cycle of abuse. Together with community partners, we are supporting local solutions and building safer and healthier communities for generations to come.”
This investment is part of Ontario’s actions to better respond to violence, build safer and healthier communities, and support women’s well-being and economic opportunities through Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence.
“Everyone has the right to live in safety and with dignity, free from fear, exploitation, intimidation, and the threat of violence. That’s why I’m proud of the significant investments our government is making to prevent and address gender-based violence,” says Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “Go Thrive Go and BridgeNorth are spearheaded by passionate visionaries who are taking preventative measures to break the cycle of abuse.”
Quick facts
Ontario is investing approximately $98 million in up to 83 new initiatives across the province that will focus on building safer communities, stopping gender-based violence before it happens, and helping survivors to recover and rebuild their lives. The ministry is currently working to confirm project details and funding agreements with the organizations that will deliver the new initiatives.
This funding builds on Ontario’s existing investments of $1.4 billion over four years in community support programs that prevent gender-based violence and support survivors. The investment is part of Ontario’s $162 million agreement with the federal government to implement the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence.
Quotes
“By strengthening community-based services and improving economic security for survivors, our government is continuing to help prevent violence and support survivors so they can heal, rebuild their lives, and achieve financial stability for themselves and their families. I look forward to seeing how these new projects and their innovative approaches will help address gender-based violence in communities across Ontario.”
– Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
“As a survivor, I am compelled to ensure this violent crime does not continue to grow. Enough is enough! The exploitation and trafficking of youth can stop, and prevention is the key.”
— Casandra Diamond, BridgeNorth Founder
“We know our prevention and intervention programs work. Thanks to this grant, BridgeNorth’s multidisciplinary team is ready to take the SAVVY Prevention Program to more communities and serve more youth than ever before.”
— Karen Todd, BridgeNorth Executive Director
“Go Thrive Go’s mission is to use technology to completely end rape culture. Just one act of violence can change a person’s life forever. The ‘red zone’—the first eight weeks of college when attacks on female students rise—calls for important conversations and the use of technology to stop these incidents before they happen. We currently have partnerships with four schools, and through this grant, we want to work with campuses throughout Ontario to create an effective app that supports all students.”
— Nina Mistry, Go Thrive Go Founder & CEO
Additional Resources
Ontario’s action plan to end gender-based violence
Get help if you are experiencing violence