While it goes without saying that criminals should be the ones to pay for their misdeeds, victims of crimes are all too often the ones who suffer long-term impacts.
The province has announced new funding to help victims of crime – and it's public money wisely spent in support of the public good.
In all, $4.5 million is being provided to boost support for police-based victim service units, support survivors of domestic violence, aid victims in court, help Indigenous communities, and create opportunities for restorative justice.
“Albertans affected by crime deserve to feel supported and respected during an incredibly difficult time,” said Kathleen Ganley, minister of justice and solicitor general.
The new funds will “ensure programs and services can continue to support victims of crime when and where they need it. I commend the staff and volunteers who do this important work day in and day out.”
Brian Turpin, past president, Alberta Police Based Victim Services Association, calls the new funding both needed and welcome.
“This new funding announcement will have a huge, positive impact on the lives of victims of crime in Alberta,” said Turpin. “The additional funding for victim service units across the province will afford them the ability to hire additional staff as well as enhance the already indispensable services they currently offer toward supporting victims, survivors and their families. We look forward to continuing to work with our government to grow, maintain and enrich the services delivered to victims of crime in Alberta.”
Regarding the aim of supporting victims in court, the new funding will help support dedicated staff and the purchase and upgrade of testimonial aids, such as screens and closed-circuit television upgrades, in courtrooms across the province.
Supporting victims of crimes helps ensure that innocent people are not made to pay the price for the unlawful actions of criminals, including in domestic violence situations.
As such, this new funding is good for all Alberta communities.
Dan Singleton is the Mountain View Gazette editor
