BC adds support to sexual assault and violent crime victim services

The BC government says it's changing legislation to increase access to services for victims of crime.

The province says the Crime Victims Assistance Act is currently too restrictive, leaving victims, family members and witnesses without adequate support.

The provincial government says it's proposing amendments to allow family members such as grandparents and grandchildren to access benefits, eliminating the need to be financially dependent on a victim for eligibility under the law.

It says the province also plans to provide funding for sexual assault support service centres in Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, Kamloops and Prince George.