Sexual violence is devastating and can have lifelong impacts on a survivor’s health, relationships and overall sense of safety. Almost 1.8 million Albertans have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.
To help support access to counselling services for survivors of sexual violence, Alberta’s government is investing an additional $1.5 million in sexual assault centres, further delivering on its commitment to increase funding for sexual assault centres by $10 million. This investment builds on the $1.5 million that was distributed to sexual assault centres in March 2025, and is in addition to the $13.8 million invested annually to 15 sexual assault centres across the province and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services for sexual violence supports and services.
“The work of sexual assault centres across Alberta is incredibly important. To stop the growth of sexual violence in our communities, we continue to make investments that enhance sexual violence programming to better support survivors. Together, we can keep our communities safe from sexual violence and let survivors know that we believe them and that they can access the supports they need.”
This investment is another step in helping to ensure that Alberta is the safest place to live, work and raise a family. It builds on the recent release of Building on our Strengths, Alberta’s 10-Year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, which outlines how the Government of Alberta will work to prevent gender-based violence, support those impacted and ensure those committing these crimes are held to account.
“As we mark the end of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, our government remains committed to addressing the unacceptable rates of all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence. Alberta’s comprehensive strategy to end gender-based violence advances over 100 initiatives to prevent violence and support survivors. With continued investments in vital programs, we are ensuring survivors can access the supports they need, where and when they need them.”
“We appreciate this investment in sexual assault services. Sustained funding is essential to ensure those affected by sexual assault and abuse receive timely, compassionate support that is both trauma-informed and specific to sexual violence, and responsive to the diverse needs of Albertans.”
Sexual assault centres play a critical role in supporting survivors. By providing access to services such as counselling, sexual assault centres support survivors work through their trauma in a safe, caring environment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, you are not alone. You can call or text the Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000 or visit your local sexual assault centre for support.
Key facts
- More information about preventing sexual violence is available at alberta.ca/sexual-violence-prevention.
- Sexual assault centres offer crisis intervention supports, counselling, police and court support, education, outreach and advocacy to help Albertans in need.
- Budget 2025 invests more than $88 million for the prevention of family and sexual violence which includes sexual assault centres to help individuals and families get the support they need.
Related information
Related news
- Sexual Violence Awareness Month (May 1, 2025)
- Strengthening support for sexual violence survivors (April 30, 2024)