To support British Columbians impacted by crime, government is adding services for survivors of sexual violence and violent crime, and updating the Crime Victim Assistance Act to properly address victims' needs.
"Victims of crime, their immediate family members and witnesses are impacted by crime in different ways, and supporting them means that they can take the time they need to recover and heal," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "We are expanding services for victims of gender-based violence, as well as those impacted by broader crimes so that more British Columbians have access to the services and supports they need to recover."
People who are victims of crime, their family members, as well as witnesses, can receive services to support their recovery and help offset financial costs they may experience. However, the current legislation is restrictive in who may be eligible for these services, and many people can't get the supports they need.
The Province is proposing changes to the act that, if passed, will make these critical services available to more people by:
* expanding access to benefits for grandparents and grandchildren by removing the requirement that they were financially dependent on the victim to be eligible for benefits;
* expanding the definition of witness by removing the requirement that a witness had a strong emotional attachment to a victim, which is a significant barrier to eligibility for those who witness violent crime in their communities; and
* extending the time limit for making an application for benefits from one year to two years, which will align with the time limit for civil claims in B.C.
Government is also restoring funding that was cut for sexual assault programs to support survivors of sexual assault. These centres, located in Vancouver, Victoria, Kamloops, Prince George and Surrey, will provide wraparound services to survivors of sexual assault during a time when support and compassion is needed most. These centres are in addition to the 70 newly expanded sexual-assault services that provide survivor-driven, trauma-informed services.
"The five centres being funded will provide trauma-informed, wraparound and culturally safe services at community-based organizations that have a proven track record with decades of knowledge and experience in supporting survivors of gender-based violence, and who are also part of strong, local co-ordinated networks," said Ninu Kang, executive director, Ending Violence Association of BC. "This is an exciting time in B.C. where we are building up the core foundation and capacity needed to support survivors of sexual assault, let them know that they are not alone on their journey to healing, and that help is available."
The centres in five large urban areas provide a trauma-informed space where survivors can access a range of services and supports, including counselling, emotional support and practical assistance. The centres will provide a supportive space for survivors to meet with police and have access to medical forensic examinations and other services as chosen by the survivor.
These centres are in addition to the 70 local sexual-assault programs providing co-ordinated community-based services for survivors.
"It is so important to reinforce that the impacts of sexual assault and gender-based violence have a devastating effect on survivors, and also their loved ones, family and communities," said Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. "Wraparound support means making it easier for survivors who may need to work with several care providers and the justice system on the path to healing, which is also intended to empower people on this difficult path and ensure they have the best possible care."
Better support for survivors of sexualized violence and crime is one component of a multi-year action plan to help end gender-based violence being developed by the Ministry of Finance's Gender Equity Office, and the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. This work is being guided by Indigenous partners and organizations, an advisory committee and many experts, advocates and leaders who have provided feedback and are helping to shape B.C.'s gender-based violence action plan.