Editor,
I am writing to assure your readers that, contrary to the claims in a recent editorial ("Enabling violence," The Chief, Nov. 6), the B.C. government is taking appropriate action to aid victims of violence and human trafficking, before, during, and after the 2010 Olympic Games.
I take great offence at the suggestion that I would condone any type of violence and I take the issues of violence and human trafficking very seriously.
It is important to note that B.C. has increased funding by $17 million over three years starting in 2008 to enhance services to victims of violence. The Province continues to fund an array of programs throughout the Sea to Sky corridor to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. These programs include the 'Stopping the Violence Counselling Program', which provides individual and/or group counselling for women who have experienced childhood abuse, sexual assault and violence in their relationships and the 'Children Who Witness Abuse Counselling Program'.
With respect to the Olympics, and allegations that victimization increases during the games, ministry staff have consulted with victim service providers from former host cities like Salt Lake City and there is no recent evidence to show significant shifts in demand.
In addition, B.C.'s Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons - the first office of its kind in Canada - has focused on training social service and health care providers, including victim service workers across the Olympic zones, in identification and referral procedures for potential cases of human trafficking.
The simple fact is that our services for victims are broad-based, valuable and here to serve those most vulnerable.
Joan McIntyre
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA
