Victims’ Funding

In mid-April the government announced new provincial funding for victims of crime and their families for the supports and services they need to overcome trauma and begin to rebuild their lives. The new Victim Quick Response Program has provided early assistance to about 600 people since Fall 2007. In the immediate aftermath of violent crimes, victims can receive:

• Emergency expenses including childcare, housing and meals
• Funeral expenses
• Professional trauma counselling.

In April the government announced $3.3 million in new funding to the program, bringing total funding for the year to $5.8 million. In addition, the government is boosting the annual base funding for the Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services program by 20 per cent in 2008-09 to $9.4 million, a $1.8 million increase.

The funding for both programs will ensure more victims receive the help they need faster to overcome trauma and begin to rebuild their lives. Attorney General Chris Bentley made the announcement as part of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.

Quick Facts

• National Victims of Crime Awareness Week ran from April 13 to April 19.
• Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services include on-site support to victims, 24 hours a day, seven days a week by staff and trained community volunteers.
• Last year, more than 10,000 Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services volunteers provided over 1.1 million hours of support to victims of crime.

Learn More

Learn more about the Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Service and the Victim Quick Response Program.