Alberta sexual assault centres not happy with 2023 Alberta Budget

Members of the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services say they feel slighted by the 2023 Alberta Budget. Officials said the needs of sexual assault survivors were not met and funding of up to $14 million over four program areas was not given. This would help over 15 sexual assault centres across Alberta.

They say a total of 1.8 million Albertans will experience sexual violence in their lifetimes.

Deb Tomlinson, the CEO of the organization was not pleased with the budget.

“There’s a fiscal argument to be made here. Because, if we address sexual violence right when it happens, we can prevent a whole bunch of other big social problems from occurring. Like addictions, mental illness, homelessness and unemployment. The government has turned their back on survivors.”

According to Stats Canada, In 2021, police-reported sexual assault increased 21 per cent in Alberta.