The Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre (KSACC) will use new funding from the provincial government to get a Sexual Assault Services Hub off the ground.

Agency Coordinator Alix Dolson says KSACC has a contract with the province to get $300,000 a year “for the next few years” to develop services that make sense for the people of Kamloops.

“Currently, we are not meeting the demand. When a survivor asks for help, we should be able to give it to them in a timely fashion and currently we are not able to do that with our current funding levels,” Dolston told Radio NL.

“This particular funding is not going to solve that problem, but its going to create – in the very least – a safer, more trauma-informed way for survivors to access services.”

Dolson says the Kamloops Sexual Assault Counselling Centre – located on First Avenue downtown – has operating for over 40 years, offering services like 24/7 crisis response, counselling, victim services, forensic medical exams, and police interviews for people in need.

“We’re operating now with our current programming and capacity and we are looking to expand, “Dolson said. “Likely that will mean needing a little bit of extra space but we’re not at a point yet where I know exactly what that looks like because we’ve just received the funding.”

KSACC was one of five recipients of this funding from the province, with money also going to Vancouver, Victoria, Surrey, and Prince George. In a news release, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General said it is restoring funding that had previously been cut for sexual assault programs to support survivors of sexual assault.

“The five centres being funded will provide trauma-informed, wraparound and culturally safe services at community-based organizations that have a proven track record with decades of knowledge and experience in supporting survivors of gender-based violence, and who are also part of strong, local coordinated networks,” said Ninu Kang, executive director, Ending Violence Association of BC. “This is an exciting time in B.C. where we are building up the core foundation and capacity needed to support survivors of sexual assault, let them know that they are not alone on their journey to healing, and that help is available.”

The Ministry says these centres are in addition to the 70 local sexual-assault programs providing coordinated community-based services for survivors.

“It is so important to reinforce that the impacts of sexual assault and gender-based violence have a devastating effect on survivors, and also their loved ones, family and communities,” added Kelli Paddon, Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity. “Wraparound support means making it easier for survivors who may need to work with several care providers and the justice system on the path to healing, which is also intended to empower people on this difficult path and ensure they have the best possible care.”

Dolson says this new provincial funding will “change the face” of sexual assault care in Kamloops.

“Instead of having to visit multiple clinics, hospitals, police stations and service agencies, and speak with many providers, survivors will be able to access one safe and comfortable location to support their needs in the aftermath of an assault,” Dolson said.

“As an organization, KSACC is grateful to the feminist changemakers who have paved the way for this centre to become a reality, to the Government of British Columbia for recognizing this need, and to survivors for bravely telling their stories and seeking justice and healing.”