Survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in British Columbia are set to receive enhanced assistance in navigating the legal system as the province moves forward with implementing suggestions from the Stanton Review.
Attorney General Niki Sharma emphasized the importance of providing support to victims of domestic and sexual violence, stating that they should not have to go through the justice system on their own.
In a recent statement, Sharma stressed the necessity for improved support services, better coordination, and safer experiences for survivors throughout the legal process. The allocated funding aims to broaden critical support services, reinforce prevention initiatives, and ensure timely access to necessary services for survivors.
With a funding boost of over $3 million from the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence Fund for the upcoming fiscal year (2026-27), the Ministry of Attorney General in BC is poised to implement the recommendations put forth by the Stanton Review.
The review, conducted by Kim Stanton under the provincial government’s auspices, scrutinized the treatment of victims of domestic and sexual violence within BC’s legal system and put forward recommendations to enhance their overall experience.
The financial infusion will facilitate the expansion of the Safe Supports Project, particularly catering to individuals in rural, remote, and northern communities. The initiative may involve appointing up to three additional family court support workers in yet-to-be-determined regions, as per government sources.
Furthermore, the funding will enable the launch of a public awareness campaign to educate individuals about the available services and support networks. The province also plans to explore behavior-change programs targeting men and boys to bridge service gaps and promote effective preventive measures.
Among the initiatives in the pipeline are the bolstering of the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy through enhanced training for justice professionals, along with the expansion of the Indigenous Justice Centres’ Aunties Program, offering culturally sensitive and comprehensive support to Indigenous victims and survivors.
British Columbia currently allocates over $60 million annually to back approximately 475 programs supporting victims and combating violence against women across the province.
Government authorities affirm their dedication to executing all recommendations from the Stanton Review by sustaining investments in education, awareness campaigns, and preventive measures aimed at tackling the underlying causes of violence.
