BCIFV home > Media Release > January 31, 2005

For Immediate Release: January 31, 2005
Contact: Penny Bain, Executive Director, BCIFV
phone: 604.669.7055, 1.877.755.7055, or
pbain@bcifv.org or www.bcifv.org

Media Release:
Extensive Funding Cut Leads to Reduced, Restructured BC Institute Against Family Violence

Despite a recent announcement of new BC Government funding to address the social and health consequences of family violence, the BC Institute Against Family Violence will undergo significant restructuring beginning June 1, 2005, says Frances Grunberg, Chair of the BCIFV Board of Directors.

“In the wake of recent news of an anticipated 50-percent cut to our grant from our major funder, the Provincial Health Services Authority, the Board has adopted, in principle, a reduced operating budget and plan for services,” says Grunberg.

The Institute’s current full-time staff of four will be laid off effective May 31, 2005 and replaced with two new part-time staff. As a result, the research and knowledge transfer services, particularly in relation to risk assessment and safety planning, that have formed the core of the Institute’s mandate since it was founded in 1989 will be drastically cut back.

“The restructuring will mean reduced capacity to: respond to information requests, manage research projects for other organizations, collaborate with community partners on new education and research proposals, publish our tri-annual newsletter Aware, update the website, and serve on community advisory committees,” says Grunberg.

On January 26, 2005 the Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services announced a $12.5 million increase in funding for services for women who experience violence in their relationships and the Ministry of Health Services announced a $10 million increase in funding to improve risk assessment and safety in BC health care services.

“The Institute’s new focus will be on collaborating with the Provincial and Regional Health Authorities to address their priorities regarding their family violence strategies,” says Grunberg.

A summary of the Institute’s lengthy list of accomplishments in researching the causes and consequences of family violence during its first 15 years of existence can be found in the Spring 2004 issue of Aware: click here.

“Given the Institute’s outstanding track record—for which we have to thank the many talented, committed, and hard-working board and staff members who have come before us—we will focus energy during this hiatus to generate new sources of funds that will allow the Institute to continue this essential work for the community,” says Grunberg.

For more information or comment, please call Frances Grunberg, Chair, or Penny Bain, Executive Director.

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