SOUND OFF: Supporting survivors of gender-based violence

Sexual assault predominately impacts women, girls and gender diverse people. And we know that Indigenous and other racialized women and girls, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, sex workers, people with disabilities and individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness experience higher rates of sexual assault.

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We’re supporting programs that are inclusive and culturally safe, taking into account that different people may have different needs based on their identity, background or lived experiences.

In Kamloops, the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre Society will be receiving a share of the funding to serve residents, and the Adams Lake Indian Band has also received funding to serve their members.

In my riding of Chilliwack-Kent, Qwí:qwelstóm Wellness – Stó:lō Service Agency, and the Seabird Island Band are both receiving funding to operate services to support victims of sexual assault, and the Hope and Area Transition Society will serve people in that region. In Abbotsford, Archway Community Services will be providing counselling and support services.

Many survivors are hesitant about reporting sexual assault to the police, due to a distrust of the criminal justice system and the fear that they will not be believed.

That’s why our government is implementing new policing standards on responding to sexual assaults that will respect and support the diverse needs of survivors and make investigations more effective throughout B.C. Police are working now to implement internal policies to support the standards, which must be in effect by this time next year.

The standards require policies, procedures, training and audits that will help officers respond to sexual assaults in a more inclusive and mindful way, with the goal of making people more comfortable with reporting these crimes to the police.

We’re developing standards and services as a part of B.C.’s action plan to address gender-based violence, which is being developed in partnership with Indigenous organizations, an advisory committee, experts and advocates.

Our government is taking action on multiple fronts to support victims of gender-based violence and sexual assault, and to help prevent these crimes. People in B.C. now have better protection if their intimate images are shared without their permission thanks to legislation that holds social media sites, dating apps, and other companies accountable. The law makes it easier to get your private images removed from the internet, helping reduce the shame, stigma and long-lasting trauma.

If you or someone you know, has experienced gender-based violence or exploitation and needs support, please reach out to a local sexual assault service organization in your community. You can also call or text VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 for support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

No matter what you experienced, you are not alone. There are people out there who are ready and waiting to help and support you, every step of the way.

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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.

by Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelli Paddon

SOUND OFF: Supporting survivors of gender-based violence

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