Western Standard - April 30, 2024


Supporting Survivors Alberta Invests in Sexual Assault Services


Episode Stats

Length

3 minutes

Words per Minute

157.82907

Word Count

506

Sentence Count

24


Summary

Learn English with Alison Redford, Minister of Indigenous Relationships and Sexual Assault. Minister Alanna Gray announces an additional $10 million in funding for Sexual Assault Centres across Alberta over the next three years, bringing our total annual investment in sexual assault centres to nearly $17 million.


Transcript

00:00:00.000 Tomorrow, May 1st, marks the start of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and challenges attitudes around sexual violence.
00:00:09.880 Nearly half of Albertans, 1.8 million, have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
00:00:17.060 That's 1.8 million too many that are faced with the traumatic impacts of sexual violence.
00:00:22.660 The effects of this type of abuse can be long-lasting, life-altering,
00:00:26.520 and in speaking with survivors around the province and staff at sexual assault centres across the province,
00:00:32.680 I've heard how it impacts every aspect of their well-being and their relationships,
00:00:37.340 not to mention their ability to trust and feel safe.
00:00:41.380 No one and no Albertan deserves that.
00:00:44.860 Survivors should be able to access the critical supports and compassionate care that they need when they need it,
00:00:50.860 and that's why I'm so proud to announce that we're delivering on our commitment to provide sexual assault centres
00:00:56.440 an additional $10 million over three years.
00:01:00.440 This includes $3 million to be rolled out this year,
00:01:03.900 bringing our total annual investment in sexual assault centres to nearly $17 million.
00:01:09.940 Centres will also receive another $3 million in 2025-26 and $4 million in 2026-27
00:01:17.600 to ensure that they can continue their critical work to support and empower survivors,
00:01:22.560 no matter where they are in their healing journey.
00:01:26.020 Survivors of all ages and genders can turn to sexual assault centres for crisis intervention,
00:01:31.780 counselling, safety, and educational supports.
00:01:35.600 Many of our centres also provide police and court assistance to those who choose to report what happened to them,
00:01:41.860 as well as supporting them at their local hospital.
00:01:45.700 Building on our previous $4.2 million investment to address wait lists,
00:01:50.760 this investment will ensure more survivors will be able to access these critical resources to heal and to move forward.
00:01:57.460 I know many in this room want to know exactly how that funding will be distributed.
00:02:02.540 Like we did with our women's shelter partners,
00:02:05.040 we will be holding a roundtable with sexual assault centres in the upcoming weeks.
00:02:09.940 This will allow government to hear directly from centres and those who work with survivors every day
00:02:14.780 how this funding can best address their urgent needs,
00:02:18.180 while making sure that resources are available everywhere in the province.
00:02:21.520 I want to thank everyone working in these centres and all Albertans who support people affected by sexual violence,
00:02:29.040 whether you are a friend, a loved one, or another support.
00:02:32.980 Thank you, the Sexual Assault Centres, for your partnerships and the important work you do each and every day.
00:02:39.760 And the sexual assault survivors,
00:02:41.680 I recognise and honour the courage and hard work it takes to start and go through your healing journey.
00:02:48.360 Please know that we believe you.
00:02:49.600 You are not alone, and when you are ready, help is waiting and available.
00:02:54.800 I encourage anyone who has experienced sexual violence or knows someone who has,
00:02:59.740 to please call or text Alberta's free confidential one line for sexual violence at 1-866-403-8000
00:03:08.000 for help or visit a sexual assault centre in your community.
00:03:11.740 Thank you.