Province earmarks $8.1 million for survivors of sexual violence
EDMONTON Sexual assault survivors will have access to more counselling and crisis assistance thanks to an $8.1-million boost for the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services.
The provincial cash, announced Wednesday, will also help increase police and court assistance in the hope that more survivors feel they can come forward.
Sex assault centres and law enforcement have reported a surge in demand for counselling services, with a 53 per cent increase in new clients and unprecedented wait lists. The result was some survivors waiting up to nine months for counselling, a figure Status of Women Minister Stephanie McLean said she hopes to cut to two weeks.
The money will also go towards more crisis counselling, outreach in schools and communities, and specialized court workers.
In an emotional announcement at the Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton, AASAS chief executive director Debra Tomlinson said the $8.1 million will have an enormous impact on the lives of survivors.
While the goal is a two-week wait, she said it’s important to remember society is in the middle of a movement.
“Every day, more and more survivors are coming forward,” she said. “Remember, this is proceeded by decades and decades of secrets and silence, so we are experiencing a flood. It will subside, but maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next
week. So we need to be patient.”
The money will also allow member agencies to provide specialized services to rural areas of Alberta, Tomlinson said.
RCMP Staff Sgt. Rob Rubuliak of K Division said the extra cash will help police support those who report sexual assault.
The more support someone receives while going through the criminal justice process, and whose physical and psychological needs are met, he said, the more likely it is police can conduct a thorough investigation.