August 11, 2011
Putting a Stop to Domestic Violence

VANCOUVER – Two organizations in Vancouver will receive a total of $30,000 from the B.C. Government to help to put a stop to domestic violence.

The BC Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support will receive $20,000 to develop and deliver a program to support elders who may face domestic violence.

Legal Services Society of BC in partnership with Ending Violence Association of BC is receiving $10,000 to create a risk identification brochure for family law lawyers who deal with potential victims of domestic violence.

Why this matters:

• The Ministry will be distributing one-time grants ranging from $5,000-$20,000 for projects that prevent domestic violence, enhance local responses to victims of domestic violence, and/or improve victim and community safety.
• Grant funding was made available through civil forfeiture proceeds. The Civil Forfeiture Act and Regulation allows the Director of Civil Forfeiture to initiate civil court proceedings against property believed to be the instruments or proceeds of unlawful activity.

Quotes:

“In total, the Province is providing $100,000 in civil forfeiture proceeds to six local projects that integrate support for victims of crime and spread awareness about how to prevent and intervene in domestic violence. Re-directing the profits of unlawful activity to programs that strengthen local resources for victims and their families is just one more way we’re putting the safety of our communities first.”
- Solicitor General Shirley Bond

"Domestic violence is a terrible problem that affects too many families in British Columbia, the organizations receiving funding will help raise awareness and support the victims of this crime."
- Vancouver False Creek MLA Mary McNeil

Additional Information:

• The grants will be distributed to police and organizations that work with or deliver victim service and violence against women programs.
• The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General announced the availability of the grants in March of 2010 as part of the Domestic Violence Action Plan.
• Grants were awarded based on the following criteria:
• Ability to prevent domestic violence, enhance local responses and/or improve victim and community safety.
• Financial accountability and tracking.
• Specified and measurable project outcomes.
• Addressing the needs of particularly high risk communities and populations.
• Involvement and support of other justice and community partners

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