Province to pump $4.5M more into services for crime victims

The province announced a plan on Friday to earmark $4.5 million to help victims of crime.

The spending will go toward victim service units run by the municipal police forces across Alberta, and boost support for domestic violence survivors this year and for the next three fiscal years.

Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley says Albertans affected by crime deserve to feel supported and respected.

"These funds will help to enhance services for victims and help to ensure that support is available to them when and where they need it," she said.

Funding will be nearly doubled for police-based victim services units in seven municipalities: Edmonton, Calgary, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Red Deer, Grande Prairie, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

Outgoing Calgary police chief Roger Chaffin says victims of crime often don't know where to turn for help.

"Victim assistance teams are a vital link that helps people navigate the criminal justice process and connect with the supports they need while they deal with very complex and emotional situations," he said.

Other funds will be used to expand outreach services for Indigenous crime victims and for services provided to survivors of domestic violence.

• MORE CALGARY NEWS |Harassment trial ends with guilty verdict for Calgary millionaire
• MORE CALGARY NEWS |Sex crimes unit investigates assault, takes victim and others into custody
• Read more articles byCBC Calgary, like us onFacebookfor updates and subscribe to ourCBC Calgary newsletterfor the day's news at a glance