BURNABY – New Democrat MLA Anne Kang says new funding will provide emergency sexual assault response services to people in Burnaby.
“Organizations like Cameray Child and Family Services do such important work to serve and support people in Burnaby,” said Anne Kang, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake. “Survivors of sexual assault need to know that help is available, and that it is confidential, judgement-free, and culturally-appropriate. If you or someone you know needs support, please reach out.”
The provincial government provided $10 million in funding to the Ending Violence Association of BC, to be distributed to community organizations like Cameray to support emergency sexual assault response services across the province.
“We at Cameray Child and Family Services are so excited and privileged to be provided with this opportunity to provide Emergency Sexual Assault Services in Burnaby and New Westminster,” said Tracey Rusnak, Executive Director. “We already provide Victim Support and Counselling services to children and youth, and it feels like a natural extension to be able to provide the same quality services to all victims of sexual assault, regardless of age. Thank you to the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and EVA BC for demonstrating their confidence in us with this grant.”
November 25 through December 10 is the 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. An estimated 1,000 women are physically or sexually assaulted every week in B.C.
Indigenous women, Black women, women of colour, women living with disabilities, transgender people and other 2SLGBTQ+ people face a disproportionately higher risk of gender-based violence.
The New Democrat government is taking action to end gender-based violence by expanding access to counselling, crisis support services, childcare, education and affordable housing, as well as implementing paid leave for people facing domestic or sexual violence.
Learn More: https://endingviolence.org/additional-funding-doubles-reach-of-emergency-sexual-assault-services-program/