Enhanced Support Coming For British Columbians Impacted By Crime

The province is updating the Crime Victim Assistance Act.

“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 province says the current legislation is restrictive in who may be eligible for these services, and many people can’t get the supports they need.

The government is proposing changes to the act that, if passed, will make these services available to more people.

The government is also restoring funding that was cut for sexual assault programs to support survivors of sexual assault.

These centres are in addition to 70 newly expanded sexual-assault services that provide survivor-driven, trauma-informed services.

To learn more, visit Government of British Columbia.