Funding to improve access to services for victims of crime

Press Release

October 11, 2016

MONCTON (GNB) – The provincial government is pleased with the announcement of federal funding to give victims of crime better access to services. More than $3.4 million is being invested over five years.

“We welcome the support of the federal government to assist the department in enhancing current programming to support victims of intimate partner violence and sexual violence, as well as establishing a new Aboriginal Domestic Violence Outreach Program to be implemented in First Nation communities in the northern part of the province,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister Denis Landry. “This support strengthens our commitment to build a stronger, safer New Brunswick for our families.”

The provincial government has targeted intimate partner violence as one of three priorities of its crime-reduction strategy. The funding will support programs and resources for victims of intimate partner violence and sexual violence. It will also facilitate co-ordination of community resources and help victims participate in the criminal justice process. In addition, the funding will contribute to services assisting victims of intimate partner violence and help establish an outreach program for aboriginal victims of domestic violence.

“Violence inflicted by an intimate partner can have long-term impacts on the physical and emotional health of victims that stretch far beyond to the victim’s family, friends, and communities,” said federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould. “The programs and services for victims that are supported by this funding will help restore the lives of survivors and contribute to maintaining healthy families and communities.”

The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights includes rights for victims to participate in the criminal justice process. The funding will contribute to a program providing direct support to children and vulnerable victims who testify in court. It will also support investments to help witnesses in providing testimony, such as video-conferencing equipment.

This contribution comes from the federal Department of Justice’s Victims Fund. In 2016-17, the fund will make available more than $21 million to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services and assistance to meet gaps in services.

More information is available online.

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