Province increases support payments for victims of gender-based violence

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on May 21, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

The Government of Alberta announced Tuesday an $8.5-million investment into its Housing Benefit for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence, an increase to the budget of $2.3 million.

The housing benefit aims to help victims find safe, stable housing while working to rebuild their lives, by helping pay housing expenses that can include rent or utilities, as well as down payments and mortgage payments.

In Alberta, a survivor or victim of gender-based violence is eligible to receive up to $7,200 annually through flexible monthly payments.

The housing benefits are part of the province’s recently launched 10-year strategy to end gender-based violence, and outlines more than 100 concrete initiatives to ensure efforts are co-ordinated between the province and community partners committed to address the root causes of gender-based violence and prevent it before it occurs.

“With our launch of Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, our government is taking decisive, co-ordinated action to support survivors and prevent abuse in all its forms,” said Tanya Fir, minister of arts, culture and status of women. “We are backing our commitment with meaningful investments in support that give survivors the safety, stability and resources they need to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.”

According to Budget 2025 the UCP will be investing more than $188 million this year in programs and services designed to prevent and respond to gender-based violence, which can take on many forms, including physical and sexual assault, family violence, financial control and intimate partner violence, and also falls under the categories of cyber-bullying and stalking, pornography and hate speech.

“Survivors of gender-based violence deserve more than safety, they deserve dignity, support and the opportunity to thrive,” said Catherine Champagne, executive director with Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters. These investments are a critical step forward, offering real, tangible help to those rebuilding their lives after abuse.”

Support is available by visiting alberta.ca/alberta-supports, or by calling 1-877-644-9992. Victims are also encouraged to visit their local Alberta Supports Office in person.

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