The British Columbia government has announced that survivors of intimate-partner and sexual violence will receive enhanced support services to assist them in navigating the legal system, in response to an independent review conducted last year. Attorney General Niki Sharma revealed that the ministry secured approximately $3 million in funding through the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence established by the federal government.
This funding will be allocated towards reinforcing Indigenous justice initiatives, enhancing responses within the justice sector, and raising public awareness on the issue. As part of this initiative, at least one of three new family court support workers will be designated for Northwestern B.C., with specific locations yet to be determined.
During a media briefing in Terrace, Sharma highlighted the increasing rates of intimate partner violence and sexual assaults, emphasizing the need to ensure that the justice system and support programs are readily available to those who have experienced such incidents, enabling them to access safety.
The $3 million funding for the fiscal year 2026-27 will facilitate the implementation of initiatives aligned with the recommendations outlined in the Stanton Review from the previous year. This comprehensive review, spearheaded by Dr. Kim Stanton at the request of Sharma, assessed the treatment of victims and survivors of intimate-partner and sexual violence within the provincial justice systems. It presented a series of system-wide recommendations aimed at enhancing prevention efforts, bolstering public education, expanding survivor support services, and fortifying family law provisions.
In addition to deploying family court support workers, the funding will be utilized to expand the Safe Supports Project, aiding individuals affected by intimate partner violence in navigating family-law procedures in rural and remote areas. The ministry also intends to progress the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy by providing training for justice-sector professionals and expanding the Indigenous Justice Centres’ Aunties Program, which offers culturally sensitive support services for survivors.
Furthermore, a public awareness campaign will be developed to educate the public on intimate partner violence and available support resources, while behavioral change programs will undergo review to pinpoint any existing service gaps.