Manitoba to Create New Child Abuse Police Unit
The Manitoba government announced Sunday that it will invest $2.1 million to create a new provincial child abuse police unit.
< p class="e-p">In a press conference, Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson said the investigative unit will work in collaboration with the Toba center in Winnipeg, which aims to support and guide child victims. victims and their families.
The offices of the police unit will be located in the centre's new premises, which are still under construction.
According to the premier, the investment is part of nearly $52 million aimed at tackling crime in the province, an amount unveiled in early March in the provincial budget.
Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen notes that Manitoba has seen an increase in child abuse and exploitation in the past five years.
The Toba centre, opened in 2013, brings together specialists in the support of child victims of violence or exploitation.
Encompassing and child-centered support is essential for their well-being and that of their families, who are victims of tragic situations, stresses Heather Stefanson. that might arise with the new environment.
We estimate that there are approximately 4000 child abuse investigations. in our province every year. Currently, we see about 400 of them, argues Christy Dzikowicz.
The more we advance in this environment, the more this figure will change substantially, she hopes.
The $2.1 million investment in the creation of the Provincial Police Child Abuse Unit is the latest of many announcements to strengthen the fight against crime in the province.
With our strategy to fight violent crime, we want to have a balanced approach to making our streets safer, said Minister Goertzen, in a press release published on Sunday .
He says he wants to tackle the root causes of crime by funding homelessness initiatives and creating shelters, while arresting violent criminals and repeat offenders.
With information from La Presse canadienne
