The funding comes as major cities have had a jump in sexual assaults in recent years.
Kendra Kurisu, assistant executive director of the Prince George Sexual Assault Centre, said the additional funding would allow the centre to expand, helping it become a centralized hub for sexual assault survivors.
“So having a space within that model would mean that survivors could go directly there and get their needs met and know all of their options,” she said. For example, staff at the centre can help schedule an interview with a police officer with sexual assault training and the interview takes place in the centre, a setting the survivor is already comfortable with.
Asked if that funding keeps up with the increase in sexual assault cases, Israel was blunt: “No. My staff feel like they’re drowning.” Israel said gender-based violence increased during the pandemic as people were locked down at home with abusive partners or the mental health impacts of the pandemic translated into violence. There’s also been more awareness as to what constitutes a sexual assault, Israel said, and efforts to de-stigmatize victims so they report their experience.Article content
Both MacDougall and Israel said survivors in Vancouver who want to access free counselling are typically waiting a 1½ years.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Advocates call on head of Toronto's shelter system to resign amid worsening crisis | CBC NewsAs dozens of refugees and asylum seekers continue to camp outside a downtown Toronto shelter, a group of more than 20 advocates is calling on the head of Toronto's shelter system to resign over 'repeated mismanagement' that they say has exacerbated the crisis.
Read more »
Northern trio lands on list of top female safety advocatesApparel-maker, educators selected among 66 Canadian honourees
Read more »
Crypto firms facing U.S. SEC charges find hope in Ripple ruling, experts sayA cryptocurrency developer's landmark legal victory against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will galvanize Coinbase and other companies to resist the agency's attempt to assert its jurisdiction over the industry, experts said.
Read more »
Effort to find 2 children lost in a Pennsylvania flash flood may soon pivot to an underwater searchA broad effort to find two young siblings who were swept away from their car during flash flooding in the Philadelphia suburbs over the weekend may soon pivot to underwater searching, authorities said Tuesday.
Read more »
Opinion: In fighting inflation, the Bank of Canada might find hiking interest rates too blunt a toolThe humble interest rate remains the primary tool for controlling inflation in developed economies – but should it?
Read more »
Tesla skeptics push back after sizzling $500-billion rallyRival automakers pouncing on demand for electric vehicles pose the biggest challenge for Tesla over the next two years. Find out more.
Read more »