BC is establishing new policing standards and funding 68 new programs in an effort to better support survivors of sexual assault.
Each of the programs will receive annual operational funding from the Province, and will deliver coordinated, community-based supports.
Run by more than 56 service providers provincewide, the programs will utilize a trauma-informed, inclusive, and culturally safe approach.
Of the $6.6 million being dispersed, $475,000 will go to four providers in the Northwest, while the Northeast gets $651,000 for seven providers.
Five regional sexual support centres will be added later this year as dedicated spaces to deliver wrap-around services.
Under the new policing standards, officers will work with victim services to consider unique needs when reporting sexual assault.
Oversight will be provided during investigations to ensure investigations are trauma-informed and impartial, and case reviews will follow.
Those standards will take effect in 2024, while the new service programs will kick-off later this month.
Comments