Nova Scotia funds nearly $1M in services for assault victims

The Nova Scotia government is providing nearly $1 million to improve services for victims of violence and sexual violence.

It is asking nine community support networks to submit plans to expand and promote those services and make them easier to access.

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The province's sexual violence strategy emphasizes the importance of community support for victims through local networks and organizations

"Community support networks are the best source of knowledge about what supports exist and what is missing in different parts of the province," Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard said in a news release.

"These grants will help build on the important work already being carried out in the community."

Local groups have been meeting and attending workshops to work on proposals.

Grant amounts were determined by geography, youth demographics and population of the regions. Each network will be able to use an extra $5,000 to improve access to services through travel assistance, interpretation and translation services, or other means.

Two provincial committees on public awareness and educational resources have also begun work.