Ontario is taking steps to support a more compassionate and culturally appropriate response from law enforcement officials when helping indigenous women report cases of sexual violence.

The province announced a half a million dollars in research as part of their long term strategy to end violence against indigenous women.

Three studies will look at the habits of on reserve police reporting, sex assault treatment programs and what indigenous women experience when reporting sexual violence to police.

Indigneous women in Canada are three times more likely to experience violence than non-Indigenous women.

Safety Minister Yasir Naqvi said the hope is to ensure survivors receive a dignified and compassionate response when they make the choice to report their experience and seek justice.

Minister of Indigenous Affairs David Zimmer said Indigenous women and communities deserve access to a justice system that is fair and provides culturally-appropriate supports.