TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced an additional $26.7 million in funding over two years to strengthen supports for survivors of gender-based violence. The investment will expand emergency shelter spaces, enhance access to wrap-around supports, and improve the Family Court Support Worker program to help survivors navigate the justice system.
The funding is part of the government’s broader plan to build safer communities and ensure survivors have access to the protection and services they need. It includes $8.25 million in 2025–26 and $15.7 million in 2026–27, supporting more than 300 new shelter spaces across Ontario.
“Our government is taking action to end gender-based violence in Ontario by investing in community partners and strengthening local services,” said Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. “This investment will help frontline agencies across the province provide survivors with a safe place to heal and rebuild their lives.”
Ontario’s shelters currently serve over 12,000 women and dependents annually. The new funding will support over 65 emergency shelters, including those in rural, remote, and northern communities as well as Indigenous-led facilities, ensuring resources are available wherever they are needed most.
“Women need to feel safe and supported in their communities in order to reach their full potential,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “By strengthening community-based services, our government is helping to prevent violence and support women to succeed everywhere—at home, at work, and in their communities.”
Expanding Access to Family Court Support
The investment also includes an additional $2.7 million annually beginning this year to expand Ontario’s Family Court Support Worker program, which assists survivors in navigating complex legal processes. These specialized workers provide emotional support, help survivors prepare for court, and connect them to community-based services.
In 2024–25, the program served more than 10,500 survivors of domestic violence across 43 locations in Ontario.
🚨 Ontario is investing nearly $27 million to protect survivors of gender-based violence.
This funding will expand 300 new shelter spaces and strengthen Family Court Support Worker services—helping survivors find safety, healing and justice.https://t.co/Cv3YjIQoiU pic.twitter.com/ePT6NM5otj
— Sylvia Jones (@SylviaJonesMPP) November 3, 2025
Building on Ontario’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan
The new investment builds on Ontario’s four-year action plan to prevent and address gender-based violence, announced in December 2023. Supported by $1.4 billion in total funding, the plan aims to prevent violence, improve access to services, and promote women’s well-being and economic security.
In addition, Ontario recently announced a $345 million investment to renew its five-year Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy (2025–2030) — the largest investment of its kind in Canada — to strengthen protections for young people and vulnerable communities.
Marlene Ham, Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses (OAITH), praised the government’s action.
“Ontario Association of Interval & Transition Houses applauds this government for heeding our call to invest in more shelter spaces across Ontario,” Ham said. “It is investments like this one that will open doors to safety, wellbeing and futures free from violence.”
Support for Survivors
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, confidential help is available 24/7 through Ontario’s network of crisis lines, shelters, and community agencies. Visit Ontario.ca/SafeAtHome for more resources and information.
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