The Sunshine Coast is one of 70 communities receiving grant money this week to help target domestic violence.
Sunshine Coast Community Services Society is receiving $10,000 to address the needs of older women on the Sunshine Coast.
The money is part of $1 million being spread throughout the province by the provincial government. The announcement was made Wednesday by Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors' and Women's Issues.
"Today, women of all nationalities, ethnicities, cultures and economic backgrounds come together to celebrate International Women's Day," said Chong in a news release. "Our province seeks to honour British Columbian women for their tremendous influence on our lives and for their achievements. We are committed to making communities safer for women and their families by preventing domestic violence."
According to the news release, the project for Sunshine Coast Community Services Society will address the needs and safety of older women, including women of the Sechelt Nation who are experiencing or have experienced abuse. Information will be gathered through a needs assessment, which will then be distributed to the public. The project will conclude with a workshop for service providers to develop guidelines for working with older women in rural and First Nations communities.
A call to Community Services for comment was not returned by press deadline Thursday.
In early January, the province announced it would provide $1 million through the Community Action for Women's Safety grants for domestic violence awareness and prevention projects, with priority given to those that address safety for Aboriginal women, immigrant and visible minority women, older women and women with disabilities.
"These projects represent innovative and collaborative solutions to women's safety and the prevention of domestic violence," added Chong. "It's encouraging to see organizations pull together on projects ranging from awareness-raising theatre and videos to call response centres, community safety audits and multigenerational teaching opportunities."
