The federal government is spending $700,000 over the next five years to strengthen crisis hotline services throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

The funding will be channeled through End Sexual Violence NL and the Transition House Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Crisis hotlines provide support for people experiencing gender-based violence with immediate access to information, safety planning, referrals, and emotional support.

The Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Rechie Valdez says many organizations were waiting eagerly for the funding.

“Until we made this announcement, they were worried about what’s going to happen. So I think now that this provides them with the certainty, this provides them with the stability to be able to plan ahead. So I’m looking forward to finalizing those contracts,” she told reporters.

Valdez said her department will look into specifics in how the money will be used in the weeks to come.