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By Grace Lore, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Supporting survivors and ending violence

Dec 2, 2021 | 10:51 AM

Between November 25^th – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – and December 10^th – International Human Rights Day, we mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, now in its 30^th year.

An estimated 1,000 women are physically or sexually assaulted every week in B.C.

Gender-based violence occurs in communities of every kind, at work, at home, and in schools. It can be emotional, psychological, sexualized, or physical. It can include physical or sexual assault, but it can also include controlling someone’s behaviour or movements, limiting their financial resources, or isolating and intimidating them.

Indigenous women, immigrants and newcomers, people who are racialized, trans people and others in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, as well as those with a disability are disproportionately targeted with violence.

As the Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity, I am committed to supporting survivors and their communities, and the incredible front-line organizations that provide care, counselling, safety, and supports every day.

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Since March 2020, our government has invested $20 million in multi-year funding for sexual assault emergency services through the Ending Violence Association. These resources have protected and expanded existing services across the province and created new services where survivors need them – from Williams Lake to Port Alberni, from Surrey to Prince Rupert.

Thanks to this funding, the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre has been able to expand their team and their hours, and they can now provide crisis response services to people 24/7.

This is incredible news. It means that survivors of domestic and sexualized violence, of all genders, can access the care the need, when they need it most. No matter the time of day or night, survivors can call 1-888-974-7278 and speak to someone who can provide emotional support and give them information about their options, including legal options and police reporting. A staff member can even accompany them to the hospital for medical or forensic procedures. This service is free, confidential, and local. It’s available to anyone 13 and older.

Other services across the interior are also supported by the Ending Violence Association and resources from our government, including the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Archway Society for Domestic Peace in Vernon, and the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society.

There is important work ahead, and we have just announced that by the end of 2022, our government will deliver an Action Plan to End Gender Based Violence. We will start this important work in the new year by holding conversations with survivors and people experienced in front-line services.

Across the province, we are committed to making sure trauma-informed care is there for survivors when they need it. At the same time, we are working to end gender-based violence everywhere.

To survivors out there – you are not alone, and it is not your fault. To access support, you can reach the Kamloops Sexual Assault and Counselling Centre 24 hours a day at 1-888-974-7278. To find support in other areas or other languages, call Victim Link at 1-800-563-0808.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.