Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
Twenty-four Aboriginal organizations and communities throughout B.C. will receive $1.5 million from the provincial government to support culture-based domestic violence programs for Aboriginal families and communities.
The Aboriginal Domestic Violence Funding Project helps address domestic violence by supporting projects created and delivered by Aboriginal organizations and communities.
Funding is provided in two streams: one allocates up to $25,000 to enhance current anti-domestic violence programming for seven organizations, and the other provides up to $70,000 for new projects to 17 organizations. The projects range from individual and family counselling services with a cultural focus, to healing discussions for entire communities to increase awareness about domestic violence.
Successful applicants were chosen by a partnership table comprised of representatives from the Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women, the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres, the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence and the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and the Ministry of Justice.
In September 2015, the Province also provided $500,000 to increase access to transition house and safe-home services for Aboriginal women and children affected by domestic violence.
These projects are part of B.C.’s three-year, $5.5 million Provincial Domestic Violence Plan, a plan established by the B.C government two years ago today. Under the plan, $2 million was allocated to develop and deliver programs specifically for Aboriginal women, men and children affected by domestic violence. The plan is based on extensive consultation with Aboriginal communities and organizations and emphasizes the importance of an Aboriginal-specific response to stopping domestic violence.
Quotes:
John Rustad, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation –
“Many of these programs incorporate Aboriginal culture and traditional practices which will help ensure the content resonates with the participants and have a meaningful impact in the lives of Aboriginal families throughout B.C.”
Stephanie Cadieux, Minister of Children and Family Development –
“This project provides supports where they are needed most – in communities – by creating and expanding direct anti-domestic violence services for families while also increasing awareness around an issue that must end.”
Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General –
“Through the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence and our Vision for a Violence Free BC, we are committed to violence prevention and enhancement of services for victims. This funding will improve access to support programs to help people overcome issues of domestic violence and lead safer, healthier lives.”
Chastity Davis, Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women –
“Our council continues to collaborate with the Province to find ways to address the systematic issues and root causes that are the reasons that domestic violence is occurring at alarmingly high rates to Aboriginal women and their children. We believe this funding is a good start to address the issues as specific to our communities’ unique needs throughout the province to help men, women and children overcome abuse and live healthy safe lives.”
Quick Facts:
- In 2013, there were 12,359 police-reported victims of intimate partner violence throughout B.C. However, it is estimated that only about one in four women ever report their abuse to police.
- Aboriginal women are three times more likely to experience violence and be assaulted by their partner than non-Aboriginal women.
- The B.C. government commits more than $70 million per year in prevention and intervention services, and programs that benefit victims of domestic violence and other crimes.
- The Vision for a Violence Free BC Strategy is B.C.’s long-term path to creating a province where all women have the supports they need to help prevent violence, escape from violent situations, and recover if they have been victims of violence.
- In 2015, the Province invested more than $5 million in civil forfeiture grant funding to support community-led anti-violence and crime prevention initiatives, with $3.4 million devoted to projects that support the Vision for a Violence Free BC Strategy.
- Over $1 million in civil forfeiture grants this year were provided to fund 58 projects focused on supporting Aboriginal communities in anti-violence and prevention initiatives.
- The Minister’s Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women provides advice to government on how to improve the quality of life for Aboriginal women.
- In December 2014, MACAW members chose 37 community-based groups in B.C. to share $350,000 in grants for programs aimed at changing behaviours and attitudes, and mobilizing communities.
- The Province and the federal government have allocated over $2.9 million to support the Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action Plan.
- The Off-Reserve Aboriginal Action Plan aims to provide better support for Aboriginal people in urban areas by increasing employment and education opportunities, and engaging with the growing Aboriginal youth population.
Learn More:
To read the Provincial Domestic Violence Plan and learn more about the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence, visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/podv/index.htm
To read the Provincial Office of Domestic Violence Annual Report, visit: http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/podv/pdf/dv_pp_far.pdf
We can’t stop domestic violence if we don’t all speak up, visit: http://www.saysomethingbc.ca/
To read the Vision for a Violence Free BC strategy, visit: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victimservices/shareddocs/pubs/violence-free-bc.pdf
For more information on additional government services and supports for Aboriginal children, youth, and their families, visit: www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/about_us/aboriginal/index.htm
For more information on the Minister's Advisory Council on Aboriginal Women, visit: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/aboriginal-people/minister-s-advisory-council-on-aboriginal-women-macaw
