More Funding To Support Domestic Violence Victims

The BC government is providing more funding to support women and children affected by violence

Premier John Horgan says community organizations working to prevent and respond to violence against women and children will receive 5 million dollars.

“Four million of it will be going to service delivery, so directly into the hands of exuctive directors and others so we can provide more victim support services.”

Horgan says it will help reduce waitlists and better meet demand for vital services such as counselling, outreach and crisis support.

Eight-hundred-thousand dollars will be used for inter-agency case assessment teams of police officers, victim service and transition house workers who provide victim safety in high-risk domestic violence cases.

The remaining $200,000 will be used to enhance education and prevention programs.

“Many worthy organizations have been stretched beyond capacity for years with static budgets despite their growing caseloads and operating costs, and dozens of service providers telling us they’re ready to give up their contracts next year,” says Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth. “The grants we’re providing are a stepping stone toward greater certainty and stability for the thousands of women and children who rely on them in some of the most frightening, stressful and dangerous times in their lives.”

Two education and awareness programs will share the $200,000 grant.

Be More Than a Bystander is an award-winning program delivered to more than 80,000 high school students and youth to date, through a partnership between the Ending Violence Association of B.C. (EVA BC) and the BC Lions. Violence is Preventable is a free, confidential, school-based violence prevention program for children and youth aged three to 18 years.