Last week, our government announced the largest ever one-time investment in community crime prevention and victim support services in our province — $7.2 million in grants.
It represents $5.5 million from the provincial Civil Forfeiture Office and $1.7 million from criminal forfeitures. Here in Williams Lake, the Boys and Girls Club of Williams Lake will receive $18,981 for its Atlanta Project. The project will consist of weekly sessions throughout the school year for vulnerable female youth at risk.
A member of the local RCMP detachment and a youth worker will provide outreach and information to build protective factors for female youth at risk of exploitation and connect them with services and police.
The Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society is getting $19,000 for its Innovative Interventions project. It will provide a well-rounded program of pro-social activities, employment training, and educational opportunities to at-risk Aboriginal youth. The Contact Women’s Group Society is getting $38,005 for its Sexual Assault Community Response Team.
This project will develop a co-ordinated cross sector response to sexual assault in Williams Lake and the surrounding region. We want to support those who are victims of sexual violence. Our government has expanded last year’s #SaySomething targets young adults and aims to change attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate sexual violence. The campaign goals include dispelling myths about sexual assault, raising awareness about sexual assault, with resources on how to offer help or get help and educating bystanders on their role and empowering them to take action.
A host website, www.saysomethingbc.ca, provides information and resources for victims, service providers, and bystanders who want to help. Victims of sexual violence and other crimes can access help at any time through VictimLink BC — a free, multilingual crisis line — at 1 800 563-0808.
To learn more about a Vision for a Violence Free BC visit http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime.
Coralee Oakes is the MLA for Cariboo North and Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction.