B.C. expands supports for intimate-partner violence survivors after Stanton Review
The province is investing more than $3 million to improve legal system navigation for survivors, including three additional family court support workers and awareness campaigns.
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Survivors of intimate-partner and sexual violence in B.C. will see expanded legal system supports following recommendations from the Stanton Review. The federal government provided more than $3 million through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence Fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year, flowing to B.C.'s Ministry of Attorney General.
The Stanton Review, commissioned by the provincial government and conducted by Kim Stanton, examined how victims and survivors of intimate-partner and sexual violence are treated within B.C.'s legal system. Attorney General Niki Sharma said in a statement: "The Stanton Review made it clear that survivors need better support, more co-ordinated services and safer experiences throughout the legal process. This funding will help expand critical supports, strengthen prevention efforts and ensure people can access the services they need when they need them."
The $3 million will expand the Safe Supports Project, which provides assistance to people in rural, remote and northern communities. The expansion could include up to three additional family court support workers, though regions for those positions have yet to be identified. Funding will also support development of a public awareness campaign about available services and supports.
The province plans to examine behaviour-change programs for men and boys to identify service gaps and highlight effective prevention practices. Initiatives include advancing the B.C. First Nations Justice Strategy through additional training for justice-sector professionals and expanding Indigenous Justice Centres' Aunties Program, which provides culturally grounded and wraparound supports for Indigenous victims and survivors.
The province currently provides more than $60 million annually to support approximately 475 victim-service and violence-against-women programs throughout B.C. Government officials say they remain committed to implementing all recommendations from the Stanton Review through continued investments in education, awareness and prevention efforts.
Which specific Stanton Review recommendations is the $3 million addressing?
How many survivors are currently accessing these programs, and will this funding increase capacity?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much federal funding did B.C. receive for intimate-partner violence supports?
The federal government provided more than $3 million through the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence Fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year to B.C.'s Ministry of Attorney General.
How many additional family court support workers could the funding add?
Up to three additional family court support workers could be hired as part of the expansion, though the regions for these positions have not yet been identified.
What is the Safe Supports Project?
The Safe Supports Project provides assistance to people in rural, remote and northern communities affected by intimate-partner and sexual violence, and the $3 million will help expand it.
