Child victims of sexual abuse need safe spaces where they can talk about the harm they have experienced and obtain services to help them heal. The Government of Canada is working to provide enhanced support for these victims and their non-offending family members by providing funding for the creation of multi-disciplinary, coordinated, child-focused services that are available in one location.

“This funding will help tackle the unique needs and challenges faced by child victims. We must ensure children can tell their stories in safe and comfortable spaces in order to build greater trust in the system. As part of the larger transformation of the criminal justice system in Canada, we are working to identify the particular needs and challenges of victims of crime and address gaps in services for these vulnerable groups using models supported by evidence.”

The Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, P.C. Q.C., M.P.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

“The Government of Canada is helping young victims and their families to re-build their lives after sexual abuse. This funding may result in a single point of access within the community to improve the consistency of care for child victims of sexual abuse and for young victims of all forms of child maltreatment in the future. I am proud Family Plus is getting the support it needs to help build a sustainable service delivery approach and provide children and youth victims of crime with the support they deserve.”

Wayne Long, Member of Parliament for Saint John-Rothesay

“We are passionate about improving services for child victims and non-offending caregivers and advocate for increasing consistency of ongoing treatment and care. Our committee is excited to embark on this opportunity to establish a Child Advocacy Centre, and we would like to offer our sincere thanks to all our partners throughout the Province for making this project a reality.”

The Saint John Sexual Maltreatment Committee

• The Department of Justice’s Victims Fund provides funding to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, and increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families.

• The Saint John Sexual Maltreatment Committee is a collaborative group of highly trained professionals from Horizon Health, Department of Social Development, Law Enforcement, Department of Justice, Victim Services, Family Plus, Public Prosecution Service on the Committee, dedicated to overcoming obstacles in dealing with child sexual abuse cases and increasing consistency of care for child victims of sexual abuse.

• Since 1929, Family Plus has been providing services to families, individuals and couples. It is the largest not-for-profit therapeutic service provider in New Brunswick and part of a National network of Family Service organizations. 

Related products

• Research on Child Advocacy Centres
• Police-reported family violence against children and youth

Associated links

• Learn about Family Plus/Life Solutions
• Read about Child and Youth Advocacy Centres across Canada

For more information, media may contact:

David Taylor
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621

Media Relations
Department of Justice Canada
613-957-4207
media@justice.gc.ca