Additional $10 million funding to support sexual assault survivors

The Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC) is receiving an additional $10 million to assist more community-based sexual assault response service programs throughout the Province.

"Sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence have devastating impacts on survivors, and that's why government is committed to prioritizing services and supports for those impacted," said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. "The success of the first round of this grant program was exceptional, and I'm happy we're able to provide further support for EVA BC to administer more grants for additional programs as there is a demonstrated high-level need for these services and capacity across B.C. communities to deliver them."

In March 2020, government provided EVA BC with $10 million to establish and administer a multi-year Emergency Sexual Assault Services grant program to support the delivery of co-ordinated, community-based emergency sexual assault response services in regions throughout B.C. This meant 23 organizations throughout the province received funding to support the delivery of trauma-informed and culturally appropriate response services for survivors of sexual assault.

In recognition of the substantial need for locally relevant and culturally safe supports for survivors in Indigenous communities in B.C., approximately half of the grant funding was allocated to an Indigenous services stream led by Indigenous leaders. The other half was allocated to a general services stream.