Alberta is investing an additional $1.5 million to better support sexual assault centres across the province.
The government announced on Friday that this investment is part of the province's commitment to increase funding for these centres by a total of $10 million in hopes of providing more support for sexual violence survivors.
“The work of sexual assault centres across Alberta is incredibly important. To stop the growth of sexual violence in our communities, we continue to make investments that enhance sexual violence programming to better support survivors," said Minister of Children and Family Services Searle Turton. "Together, we can keep our communities safe from sexual violence and let survivors know that we believe them and that they can access the supports they need.”
This investment builds on the $1.5 million that was announced in March and is in addition to the already $13.8 million that has been invested this year into 15 sexual assault centres and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.
Alberta's sexual assault centres play a critical role in supporting survivors by providing access to much-needed services, including counselling and a safe environment to work through trauma.
“We appreciate this investment in sexual assault services," said co-CEO of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services Haley Scott. "Sustained funding is essential to ensure those affected by sexual assault and abuse receive timely, compassionate support that is both trauma-informed and specific to sexual violence, and responsive to the diverse needs of Albertans.”
This funding is part of Alberta's 10-Year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, which was announced earlier this year.
“As we mark the end of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, our government remains committed to addressing the unacceptable rates of all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence," said Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir. "Alberta’s comprehensive strategy to end gender-based violence advances over 100 initiatives to prevent violence and support survivors. With continued investments in vital programs, we are ensuring survivors can access the supports they need, where and when they need them.”
