More provincial funding for counselling services for victims of crime and their families.

The province says, through the Criminal Injuries Counselling Program, counselling services are available to Nova Scotians who are victims of serious crimes in the province.

The amount of funding and, in some cases, the length of time to access care are increasing for victims and families:
– survivors of human trafficking will be able to access $8,235 over three years, up from $2,000 over two years
– immediate family of a homicide victim can access $8,235 over three years, up from $4,000 over two years
– a victim of a compensable offence can access $4,118 over two years, an increase of $2,118.

New rates of counsellors take effect October 22 and range from $160-$210/hour.

Minister Barbara Adams says they now have much needed additional support in place and the ability to extend, if needed.

“We can never take away the suffering of an individual affected by crime, but we can put the supports in place to help people and families heal.”

The program will also now be available to victims of gender-based violence and hate crimes.

It’s from recommendations from the Mass Casualty commission and the Desmond Fatality Report.