The Vancouver Police Department says it is rolling out a slate of initiatives to address the violence faced by women in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood.

Chief Jim Chu today (November 1) announced the start of the Guardian Project, which includes the offering of a maximum $10,000 reward for information on the death of 22-year-old Ashley Machiskinic, who was found dead in the Downtown Eastside in September.

At this point, police say only that Machiskinic fell to her death from the window of a Hastings Street hotel, but others in the community have expressed suspicion she was murdered.

According to a statement on the VPD Website, the reward is being offered for information that “proves conclusively” how and why she fell.

The Guardian Project also includes the establishment of a phone-in tip line to ecourage people to call with information about crimes targeting women, Machiskinic’s death, or any concerns about the safety of people in the neighbourhood. Female civilian staff members will be answering the calls.

Other initiatives include online information related to the Guardian Project that is accessible thought the VPD Website and plans for regular town-hall meetings with Vancouver police and residents that will cover the progress of criminal investigations and community safety.