Sooke RCMP Victim Services is requesting increased funding from the District of Sooke and the Capital Regional District.
Victim Services is based at the Sooke RCMP detachment but administered by the Sooke Transition House. It employs one person and covers an area from East Sooke to Port Renfrew.
Earlier this year, the program lost an employee to a similar organization in Victoria, due partly to pay and benefits, said RCMP Staff Sgt. Jeff McArthur.
The position now offers higher pay and benefits.
But the increased benefits and call volume has put Victim Services in a bind, McArthur said.
The province pays $43,070 toward the position and Sooke $8,000. The CRD pays nothing.
McArthur said Victim Services is looking at a deficit of about $12,000 by its fiscal year end on March 31.
If more money doesn’t become available, there’s a risk the service may need to be curtailed.
Sooke council will consider the funding request at a future meeting, while the CRD will also be approached to help fund the position.
