By Jenn Watt

Money from the federal government will soon be flowing to the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre which serves the region including Haliburton County to launch a pilot crisis support project.

A 24-hour text service is to be up and running by mid-May which is to help survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and those who support them a press release from the organization says.

The sexual assault centre reports after-hours calls are up 50 per cent in the four counties it serves: Peterborough Northumberland Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes.

Though its office is closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic staff are working through phone email text and online with clients.

“Survivors may be experiencing an increase in violence financial worries and food insecurity” the press release says.

They’ve received $25000 from the federal government and $5600 from the Community Foundation of Kawartha Lakes which will go to increase staff capacity and train crisis support volunteers.

Those who have received training from the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre or who have a background in trauma and crisis services and would like to volunteer are asked to email ksac@nexicom.net.

“Although we have secured funding for the first six months of this increase in supports we know that youth especially really need this regional texting service 24/7 and we are committed to expanding the service long term” said Lisa Clarke executive director. “If community members would like to help donations can be made through CanadaHelps.org or by contacting the centre at 705-748-5901.”