Ontario Supporting Victims of Crime in Niagara

February 18, 2026

Niagara Falls – The Ontario government is supporting victims of crime and protecting survivors by providing Victim Services Niagara and the Niagara Regional Police Service with $398,597 in funding through the Victim Support Grant Program. The provincial grant helps support the needs of victims and survivors of crime, including intimate partner violence/domestic violence and human trafficking.

“This funding is another step our government is taking to build safer communities and protect victims and survivors of crime,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

“As an advocate in the fight against human trafficking, I welcome this critical funding for Victim Services Niagara and the Niagara Regional Police Service as they provide victims with support, information and community referrals.”

“This funding enables Victim Services Niagara to hire a dedicated subject matter expert to work in collaboration with the Human Trafficking Unit of the Niagara Regional Police Service, further strengthening our established partnership,” said Tarryn Dungey, Executive Director of Victim Services Niagara.

“By enhancing our collaborative approach and integrating a non-police advocate into the response model, we are better positioned to meet the complex needs of survivors. This initiative will help reduce barriers to accessing support services by providing survivor centered, wraparound supports and trauma-informed options.”

“This funding directly strengthens our ability to stand with victims and survivors when they need us most,” said Bill Fordy, Chief of Police of the Niagara Regional Police Service.

“Through our partnership with Victim Services Niagara, we are ensuring that individuals impacted by human trafficking, intimate partner violence and gender-based violence receive support that is compassionate, trauma-informed and focused on their safety and dignity. Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from those who seek to exploit or harm them is a responsibility we take seriously. Policing is not only about enforcement – it is about prevention and showing up for victims and survivors when they need support the most.”

“Our government recognizes the devastating impact that crime can have on its victims and survivors,” said Hon. Michael Kerzner, Solicitor General.

“Through the Victim Support Grant, we are empowering law enforcement to work closely with community organizations to enhance and launch initiatives designed to support victims when and where they need it.”

The Victim Support Grant Program is part of Ontario’s Guns, Gangs and Violence Reduction Strategy and complements the province’s $307 million Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy and Combating Human Trafficking Act, 2021. This funding will support Victims Services Niagara and the Niagara Regional Police Service in continuing to provide educational and awareness-building activities, as well as updated training and survivor-centered care related to incidents of human trafficking.