Wildrose pushes for more help for victims

The Wildrose Party called Friday for new help for sexual assault victims who may be falling through the cracks in Alberta’s justice and health systems.

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean said victims of sexual violence and abuse “face many uphill challenges” in receiving the support they need.

“Survivors of sexual assault need to know that we believe them and they need to have the ability to be as supported as possible from the time of their assault to the time of their trial and thereafter,” said Jean with Wildrose MLAs Leela Aheer and Angela Pitt by his side at a news conference in Calgary.

The official Opposition is making the following five recommendations it wants to see adopted by the NDP

Survivors of sexual assault need to know that we believe them and they need to have the ability to be as supported as possible.

government.

Study the possibility of ■ legislating “third choice” timelines for the storage and collection of evidence. “Third choice” or “third option” offers victims the ability to defer the decision to involve law enforcement to begin an active investigation.

Create a tele-health link ■ for health-care professionals to have 24-hour access to consultation with a designated sexual assault nurse examiner.

Report on current status ■ quo and ensure that all police detachments are equipped to handle and store sexual assault evidence kits.

Consider legislation or ■ regulations setting out clear procedural expectations for sexual assault services throughout Alberta, including rural and remote areas.

Consider legislation ■ pertaining to the collection of sexual assault evidence from victims who are unconscious or unable to provide consent.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley said in a statement Friday the government “will continue to work to support survivors.

“Any future changes made by our government would be in consultation with survivors and the agencies that support them.”