Crisis line expansions will support survivors of gender-based violence

Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre (Salal) and the Indian Residential School Survivor Society (IRSSS) have received new federal funding to enhance their crisis lines, which provide 24/7 provincewide, comprehensive, specialized gender-based violence supports.

These services include risk assessment, immediate safety planning, and addressing the unique needs of Indigenous victims.

The two organizations will receive a total of $2.75 million in funding over four years as part of Women and Gender Equality Canada’s National Action Plan to End Gender Based-Violence.

During the pandemic, organizations operating crisis lines in British Columbia reported that the volume of calls increased, as people experiencing violence and those seeking related services experienced barriers to accessing services safely.

The federal funding will support these organizations to enhance and expand their crisis line services, allowing them to help more people across B.C.