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UFV receives civil forfeiture grant

Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies will receive funding for its programs
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The University of the Fraser Valley

The University of the Fraser Valley Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies has received funding from the province’s civil forfeiture program towards its “Betrayed: Portraits of Strength” project.

The $20,000 grant will go towards an interactive exhibit featuring photos and stories from the survivors of exploitation in 10 B.C. communities.

It will also support training for teachers about sexual exploitation and human trafficking through three interactive computer games.

“The goal is to have a large, broad-based dialogue on human trafficking,” said program coordinator Satwinder Bains. “People assume it happens in other countries, not our own. We want to share ideas and talk about the risks here at home with schools, community groups, and marginalized people through exhibitions and community gatherings.”

“One of the best ways to prevent violence and abuse is to talk about it,” said Abbotsford-Mission MLA Simon Gibson. “Far too many crimes go unreported because people are afraid, and that’s got to change.”

This year, the priority focus for civil forfeiture grants is on initiatives that address violence against women and support the Violence Free BC strategy.

Other areas where funding was made available include serving victims through restorative justice, community and youth crime prevention, and police education, training and specialized crime prevention equipment.

Since the civil forfeiture program became active, it has returned more than $16 million from successful forfeiture actions to crime prevention grants and victim compensation payments in B.C.

Violence Free BC is the provincial government’s long-term strategy and commitment to end violence against women.