Alberta announces nearly $21M for sexual violence supports, including Medicine Hat’s Sanare Centre

The centres provide specialized, coordinated care for children, youth and families affected by sexual violence and abuse.

Children and Family Services Minister Searle Turton says sexual assault and child advocacy centres provide critical support to survivors throughout their healing journeys.

“Through these investments, we are strengthening the work of these organizations to provide specialized supports for vulnerable Albertans as they navigate some of the most challenging times of their lives,” Turton said in a statement.

Arts, Culture and Status of Women Minister Tanya Fir says every Albertan deserves access to support during times of crisis.

“By investing in the organizations that provide front-line support, our government is helping ensure compassionate, trauma-informed care remains available in communities across Alberta,” Fir said in a statement.

Indigenous Relations Minister Rajan Sawhney says the funding will strengthen culturally sensitive, survivor-centred services for Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people.

“Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit plus people experience sexual violence at disproportionate rates, and they need safe, respectful and culturally sensitive supports,” Sawhney said in a statement.

“This funding will strengthen the front-line services survivors rely on and help ensure they can access culturally informed, survivor-centred care when and where they need it.”

Co-Chief Executive Officer Corrine Ofstie, Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services, says they are deeply grateful for the government’s continued and enhanced investment in specialized sexual violence services.

“This funding provides much-needed stability and capacity for sexual assault centres across Alberta to respond to growing demand and ensure that survivors of sexual assault have access to timely, responsive supports, when and where they need it,” Ostie said in a statement.

The province says Budget 2026 includes more than $93 million for the prevention of family and sexual violence.

It also says $6.3 million of an additional $10-million commitment to sexual assault centres will have been delivered by the end of this fiscal year.

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READ: Medicine Hat’s Sanare Centre says conversations about sexual violence and healthy sexuality are essential (Feb. 5, 2026)

by Jesse Gill

Alberta announces nearly $21M for sexual violence supports, including Medicine Hat’s Sanare Centre

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