Edmonton (Rajeev Sharma): The Alberta government has announced nearly $21 million in funding to expand specialized services for people affected by sexual violence and abuse, with investments aimed at improving access to support for survivors, children, youth and families across the province.
As part of the funding package, the government will provide $17 million to 15 sexual assault centres and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. The allocation includes an additional $3.3 million towards the province’s commitment to increase funding for sexual assault centres by $10 million by 2028-29.
The province is also committing $3.7 million in annual funding to eight child advocacy centres. The additional support is intended to strengthen coordinated services for children and young people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse.
Focus on specialized and trauma-informed care
Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton said the organizations receiving the funding play an important role in helping survivors through different stages of recovery.
According to the province, sexual assault centres provide a range of services, including crisis intervention, counselling and longer-term therapeutic support for people affected by sexual violence.
Child advocacy centres, meanwhile, bring together multiple services to assist children and youth who have experienced abuse or neglect. Their coordinated approach is designed to limit the possibility of survivors having to repeatedly recount traumatic experiences while navigating different systems, including the justice process.
Government highlights culturally appropriate services
The funding announcement also places emphasis on ensuring that support is accessible and appropriate for communities facing disproportionate levels of sexual violence.
Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney said Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people experience sexual violence at disproportionately high rates. She said the additional funding would help strengthen access to culturally informed and survivor-centred services.
Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir also stressed the importance of keeping front-line support available to Albertans during periods of crisis.
Service coordination to be strengthened
The Alberta government said it works with sexual assault centres and child advocacy centres to understand the different roles played by these organizations and identify ways to improve access to services.
Better coordination and information sharing are expected to help agencies respond more quickly to people seeking assistance.
Corrine Ofstie, co-chief executive officer of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, welcomed the increased investment, saying the funding would provide greater stability and help centres respond to growing demand.
The latest funding package is part of Alberta’s broader effort to strengthen specialized services for survivors and ensure that support remains available in communities across the province.
