Quinte Health gains $236,000 in base funding to expand violence and sexual assault response program

Dignitaries pose for a photograph at Belleville General Hospital after MPP Tyler Allsopp announced new base funding for Quinte Health’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program which operates out of all four hospitals.

The province is providing Quinte Health an additional $236,000 in base funding to expand services provided by its Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program.

Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte made the announcement, noting new base funding allocated in 2024-2025 will provide $140,000 for enhanced nursing supports, and $96,000 for a clinical nurse team leader.

“Survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence have been through some of the most harrowing conditions one could imagine. It is important that we provide them access to compassionate and timely care here in our communities,” said Allsopp.

Stacey Daub, President and Chief Executive Officer at Quinte Health, welcomed the news.

“This announcement carries deep emotional weight for all of us at Quinte Health. As we approach one year since the tragic loss of our colleague, Shannan Hickey, RN, we are reminded that intimate partner violence can touch any community, including ours,” Daub said.

“This funding honours Shannan’s memory and supports the extraordinary work of our Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program team – nurses who provide compassionate, skilled care where it is needed most. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for standing with survivors and investing in care that helps people reclaim safety, dignity and hope.”

The investment will is to strengthen services and provide clinical leadership, guidance and mentorship support for nurses within the centre, ensuring survivors can access comprehensive quality care and support when they need it.

Quinte Health’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Program responds 24 hours a day, seven days a week at each of its four hospitals in Picton, Trenton, Bancroft and Belleville.

It offers a comprehensive range of services including assessments for STIs and pregnancy, medical follow up care, documenting injuries and collecting evidence, facilitating follow up with police and social service agencies, community referrals, and transportation. Survivors can present at any Quinte Health emergency department or call 613-969-7400, dialing 0, and asking for a DVSARP nurse to be paged.