$6.5M boost for crime prevention in B.C. focuses on violence against women

B.C.'s public safety minister is pledging more provincial money to fightcrime, with a focus on preventing gender-based violence.

Mike Farnworthannounced $6.5 million in grants for crime-prevention projects that address violence against women and community safety at a press conference in Surrey, B.C., on Friday.

He said that $1.7 million of this money will go toward preventing sexual assault, domestic violence and human trafficking.

Indigenous families healing from intergenerational traumaand youth needing mentorship to resist getting caught up in gangs will also benefit from the grants, which will be distributed in Surrey, Farnworth said.

The money will go to more than 170 programs and projects aimed at "vulnerable" citizens that are led by community organizers, schools and police.

DIVERSEcity Community Resources Society will receive nearly $30,000 to enhance domestic violence supports, transition houses and second-stage recovery houses in Surrey.

Another $75,000 will go to its Women's Crime Reduction Program, aimed at helping women who have a criminal history.

"Our organization promotes a safer, more inclusive Surrey," said Neelam Sahota, the society's CEO.

"We envision a community where everyone feels they belong."

Around $1.4 million will go toward addressing Indigenous healing, a news release said.