Ottawa, ON – November 6, 2025 – Immigrant Women Services Ottawa (IWSO) has received a grant of $22,400 for the Children Who Witness Violence Program from the Peter Gilgan Foundation. Peter Gilgan Foundation is a private family foundation that aims to empower initiatives that build a more healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future.

Funding will go directly to providing support for this program that helps the children of immigrant women get the psychological help and tools needed to move forward in their lives and break the cycle of violence towards women.

“Children who witness violence in their homes can be adversely affected for a lifetime,” said Mercy Lawluvi, Executive Director of IWSO. “Post-traumatic stress disorder is fairly com-mon among victims of domestic violence, and it is imperative that we stop this cycle of violence in its tracks. This program supports children who witness violence by helping them develop strategies to manage stress, while their mothers access more comprehensive supports.”

“Programs for newcomer women and their children who are abused in their homes by a partner are far and few between. IWSO is unique in providing this support to these children so they can lead healthier lives in the future,” says IWSO manager for Crisis Intervention and Counselling Services, Josphine Basudde.

About Immigrant Women Services Ottawa:

The mandate of (IWSO) is to empower immigrant and racialized women in the City of Ottawa and surrounding areas to participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women; to provide culturally responsive services which will facilitate their access to community and mainstream services and provide other services/programs which will assist immigrant women in their journey to attain their full potential. We create opportunities for women as they integrate into a new society, rebuild their lives free of violence, and achieve their personal goals.

About Peter Gilgan Foundation:

The Peter Gilgan Foundation supports high-impact charitable initiatives that build a healthier, more prosperous, and more sustainable future. Our mission is to improve the lives of children and families by empowering initiatives that help the world transition to a more healthy, prosperous, and sustainable future.