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Jul 24, 2023 7:46 PM - The Canadian Press

B.C. overhauling policing standards for sexual assault investigations

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Farnworth says the annual funding is immediately available for 68 new sexual assault programs across the province. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth has announced new programs and policing standards to support sexual assault survivors.

A statement from the ministry says stable funding for programs, plus new policing standards for responding to sexual assaults, will support survivors while ensuring more effective investigations.

Farnworth says the annual funding is immediately available for 68 new sexual assault programs across the province.

The new police standards due to start next year will include police and victim-services working together to consider a person's unique needs when a sexual assault report is made, as well as supervision to ensure all cases are responsive, trauma-informed and impartial.

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