PEERS Victoria Resources Society Letter of Support Template

The Honorable Suzanne Anton Minister of Justice and Attorney General PO BOX 9044 Stn Prov Govt Victoria BC V8W 9E2

September x, 2012

Dear Madam Attorney General,

Please accept this letter of support for PEERS Victoria Resources Society on behalf of the (DSP/VICJA/DVBA/CRAT)

PEERS Victoria provides specialized crisis response, wellness programs, employment training, health care, victim services, and police liaison supports through a drop-in centre and street outreach programs tailored for sex workers. The DSP/VICJA/DVBA/CRAT values the work of PEERS because...... The services provided by PEERS make a unique and critically important contribution towards public safety, crime prevention, employment training, family stabilization, health, and wellness in Greater Victoria.

In 2012, PEERS served over 500 community members who are involved in survival sex work. The DSP/VICJA/DVBA/CRAT recognizes this work as both necessary and unique because...... Importantly, PEERS also serves as a gateway, helping clients transition to other much needed programs provided by member agencies in the Downtown Service Providers Network. PEERS liaison work between sex workers and the Victoria Police Department has led to the arrest and jailing of multiple violent offenders which results in a safer community for all of us.

PEERS particularly supports the interests of DSP/VICJA/DVBA/CRAT membership through its commitment to...... Our member agencies/businesses have indicated unanimous/majority support for the ongoing operations of PEERS outreach programs and drop-in centre.

PEERS is the only agency on Vancouver Island specializing in crisis response and essential services for sex workers. The DSP/VICJA/DVBA/CRAT strongly encourages collaboration between the Ministry of Justice, The Ministry of Social Development and Innovation, The Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Children and Family Development, to ensure the necessary core funding for PEERS Victoria.

Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,