The Chiwid Transition House is receiving $25,000 from the provincial government to help support Aboriginal women and children who are affected by domestic violence and fleeing abuse so they can rebuild their lives.
“Violence in any of its forms, including domestic violence, is unacceptable,” said Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett in announcing the funding.
“This funding will give women and children who are victims the tools and supports they need to escape violent situations and make their lives better.”
Aboriginal women and children make up a large percentage of British Columbians who are affected by domestic violence and other crimes.
In fact, the release said that Aboriginal women in B.C. are nearly three times more likely to be victims of domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.
This funding will help the Cariboo Friendship Society improve programs and services and make them more accessible to the Aboriginal women and children who need them, especially in rural and remote communities.
For example, the subsidy will be used toward the cost of:
• Transportation to a transition house/safe home, a doctor’s appointment or lawyer meeting, or to fly a high-risk client out of the community;
• Medical and legal services;
• Important documents, such as identification;
• Clothing and personal items if the woman/child had to leave their home quickly.
This funding is part of the provincial government’s second- and third-year commitments under the three-year, $5.5-million Provincial Domestic Violence Plan to provide direct services for Aboriginal children, youth and families in rural and remote communities.
The B.C. government commits more than $70 million per year in prevention and intervention services and programs that benefit victims of domestic violence and other crimes.