The provincial government has announced $1.7 million in additional funding will support Alberta's seven child advocacy centres that assist underage victims of sexual abuse and their families.
“Violence and abuse in any form are unacceptable,” said Irfan Sabir, Alberta’s Minister of Human Services. “We will continue to support and work with our community partners to stop child sex abuse and exploitation from happening.”
The money, part of the Family and Community Safety Program, will help survivors access specialized services throughout the long process of mental healing.
“I think right now the mindset is a couple of counselling sessions and you're good to go,” said Sheldon Kennedy of the Sheldon Kennedy Child Advocacy Centre. “The reality is that's not enough, that's not good enough, I think that was a decision that was made without the reality of understanding the true impact of this type of crime on our kids”
The funding will support the existing Child Advocacy Centres in Calgary, Edmonton and Grande Prairie as well as the new centres in Lethbridge, Red Deer, Lloydminster and Fort McMurray.
