A community is safest when everyone works together and supports activities that reduce crime, violence and victimization -- every resident and every organization can make a difference.
The Victim Services and Community Programs Division of the ministry works with community groups, schools, youth groups, businesses, service organizations, police and all levels of government to develop and deliver programs, funding and resources to help British Columbians build and maintain safe communities. Through a strategy of funding and promoting crime prevention programs and projects that are implemented with success in various school and community settings throughout the province, other schools and communities across B.C. receive the information, tools and resources to implement effective programs and projects in their own communities. Community Safety and Crime Prevention activities are organized around the following program areas:
Crime Prevention
Safer community programs are structured to assist schools and communities in developing local solutions and to increase public awareness and support for crime prevention and community justice strategies. more>>
Youth Violence Prevention
From schoolyard bullying to gang violence and organized crime, many young people today have witnessed violence or been victimized themselves. The Youth Against Violence Line (1 800 680-4264) provides a safe, confidential way to report incidents of youth violence or crime in B.C. more>>
Addressing Sexual Exploitation of Children & Youth
To help communities address prostitution and the sexual exploitation of children and youth, funding is available through the Assistant Deputy Minister's Committee on Prostitution and the Sexual Exploitation of Youth. The Committee oversees the Community Capacity Building Project Fund. more>>
Restorative Justice – Community Accountability
Restorative justice is an approach which considers the needs of victims, offenders and communities and involves these parties in addressing the harm caused by crime. To promote this approach, the Community Accountability Program (CAP) holds low risk youth and adult offenders accountable for their actions, gives victims a voice, repairs the harm caused by an offence and helps restore balance in the community. CAPs are run by volunteers and are supported annually by this ministry’s financial contributions. more>>
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