Danielle Smith's Alberta government is investing more than $188 million per year into programs and services to help prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
“For those facing abuse, know that you are not alone and that help is available 24-7 through Alberta Supports," Jason Nixon, Minister of Assisted Living and Social Services, said. "Our government continues to invest in these critical programs to ensure that survivors of gender-based violence have the resources they need to find safety and stability as they work to rebuild their lives and heal.”
One place the emergency funding is going is to the Escaping Abuse Benefit which helps provide transport, shelter and expenses for basic needs, including clothing and food.
The Escaping Abuse Benefit also helps to cover the costs of counselling, telephone calls and legal advice and helps provide access to necessities such as prescription drugs, extended health care and child care services.
The province will also be investing $8.5 million this year into the Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence. This program helps survivors of gender-based violence find a safe and stable home while they work to rebuild their lives.
The program does this by helping to pay for housing expenses, such as down payments, rent, utilities and mortgage payments. Anyone who accesses the program can receive monthly payments that equal up to $7,200 per year. This program is expected to support more than 1,100 Albertans escaping abuse in 2025 alone.
These investments are part of the province's 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence within Alberta.
"With our launch of Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, our government is taking decisive, coordinated action to support survivors and prevent abuse in all its forms," said Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women Tanya Fir. "We are backing our commitment with meaningful investments in supports that give survivors the safety, stability and resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope."
Alberta’s 10-year strategy outlines more than 100 concrete initiatives that both complement and enhance the existing initiatives within the province to address the root causes of gender-based violence and prevent it before it occurs.
