Chilliwack, BC – Wilma’s Transition House is receiving $10,000 to help support Aboriginal women and children who are affected by domestic violence and fleeing abuse so they can rebuild their lives.
“Domestic violence is intolerable in any circumstance,” said Chilliwack MLA John Martin. “This funding supports the work of Wilma’s Transition House in continuing to enable women and youth to escape abuse, end unhealthy relationships, and to begin rebuilding their lives.”
Aboriginal women and children make up a large percentage of British Columbians who are affected by domestic violence and other crimes. In fact, Aboriginal women in B.C. are nearly three times more likely to be victims of domestic violence than non-Aboriginal women.
This funding will allow Wilma’s Transition House to help improve programs and services and make them more accessible to the Aboriginal women and children who need them.
For example, the subsidy will be used toward the cost of:
- Transportation to a transition house/safe home, a doctor’s appointment or lawyer meeting, or to fly a high-risk client out of the community;
- Medical and legal services;
- Important documents, such as identification;
- Clothing and personal items if the woman/child had to leave their home quickly.
The announcement is part of the provincial government’s second- and third-year commitments under the three-year, $5.5-million Provincial Domestic Violence Plan to provide direct services for Aboriginal children, youth and families in rural and remote communities.
The B.C. government commits more than $70 million per year in prevention and intervention services and programs that benefit victims of domestic violence and other crimes.
