VAW Forum - Central West Region

In November 2007, the Central West Region of the Ministry of Community and Social Services (MCSS) established a Violence Against Women (VAW) Service System Forum of senior management representatives of each of the MCSS-funded transfer payment agencies in Halton Region, Peel Region, Wellington County, Dufferin County, and Waterloo Region. 

The primary function of the Forum was to develop a regional service system strategic plan for VAW services, complete tasks to achieve goals specified in the plan, provide advice to MCSS, and share relevant information among its members.  The VAW Service System Forum is co-chaired by a MCSS representative and a member of the Forum.  Three implementation teams have been established to work on the strategic priorities identified through the strategic planning process.

The VAW Service System Forum meets periodically as a group.  Through the efforts of the strategic plan implementation teams and a partnership with the Social Innovation Research Group (SIRG) - Faculty of Social Work, Wilfrid Laurier University, a number of regional symposiums and training events are also offered on a regular basis throughout the year to VAW Forum members, VAW staff from across Central West Region, and other community partners.