The provincial government has announced it will provide an additional $8.1 million to expand front-line services in support of sexual assault survivors – money that is both much needed and well spent.
The funding will go to the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services (AASAS) to "ensure survivors who take the brave step to come forward and report assault can receive the supports they need and deserve,” the province said.
The new spending comes as both law enforcement and sexual assault clinics are reporting an increase in the need for sexual assault counselling services.
Officials believe the increase in reporting of sexual assaults is due in part to the worldwide #MeToo movement and to the national #IBelieveYou campaigns.
More reports of assaults means more victims who, in turn, need counselling.
"Courageous women in Alberta and around the world are finally breaking their silence and sharing their stories of sexual assault and harassment,” said Stephanie McLean, minister of status of women.
"We hear them and we stand with them. We are taking action – funding more counselling and helping people navigate the court and police systems so all survivors are supported on their healing journey.”
Debra Tomlinson, chief executive director of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services added: "These funds will have a tremendous impact on the lives of survivors. They will not only address the 53 per cent increase in new counselling clients and unprecedented wait-lists our member agencies faced, but will allow us to provide specialized services to rural areas of Alberta.”
By coming forward to report sexual assaults in urban and rural communities, survivors are helping keep the community at large safe from perpetrators.
When police are made aware of offenders they have a greatly increased chance of preventing those same criminals from committing further crimes.
No question, residents in every town, city and rural community in this province owe a debt of gratitude to survivors who come forward.
As such, this new funding is both much needed and great news for Alberta.
Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor.
