This campaign is in recognition of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week (May 14 – 20) . The purpose of the campaign is to remind those impacted by violence and crime in Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations of the Grand River that there are 24 hour supports in the community that can help. For more information please visit the following link: https://www.victimsweek.gc.ca/home-accueil.html
On March 3rd, BRAVE hosted a workshop lead by the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic for managers, board members, and agency decision makers from various community agencies in Brantford and Brant County. The workshop explored ways to implement the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action into agency practice and procedures.
In February 2017 the Ontario Government provided funding for fifteen two-year pilot projects to enhance police response to sexual violence. The projects will also enhance police investigative practices with an overall goal of building stronger cases and improving justice system outcomes.
Brantford Police Service is one of the fifteen two-year pilot projects partnering with the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant, Victim Services Brant, BCHS Domestic Violence/Sexual Violence Care Team, Laurier University and a legal expert on violence against women. Based on the findings from reviewing past sexual assault investigations, a training for police will be developed on best practices.
Ontario Government Announcement
On June 17th BRAVE, along side The No More Project, participated in local pride events to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. As part of BRAVE’s ongoing commitment to become more inclusive to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community with respect to sexual violence and domestic violence prevention and response work, information cards created in partnership with The Bridge Committee on intimate partner violence specific to LGBTQ+ relationships were distributed.
Six Nations Elected Council has announced their support for the families of the missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), calling for the resignation of the current Commissioners and the re-establishment of the Inquiry Process.
“The current inquiry is based on colonial values and processes. It must be built on the strengths and resiliencies of Indigenous culture, values, ceremonies, and medicines.” – Chief Ava Hill
The Six Nations families of the MMIWG have asked that July 31st be an International Day of Ceremony to honour the victims and their families.
In solidarity with these families, Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members and organizations have been encouraged to hold spiritual ceremonies and/or take a moment of silence to continue to honour the families and spirits of their loved ones.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Ontario Women's Directorate
