Practice News: Offering CVAP-Funded Counselling Services for Victims of Crime, Harm, or Traumatization

LGBTQ college student looks at a laptop screen

Introduction

LGBTQ individuals, especially transgender people, face an alarmingly high rate of victimization. Research from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law shows that transgender people are over four times more likely than cisgender people to experience violent crime, including rape, sexual assault, and aggravated assault. The study found that in 2017-2018, transgender people experienced 86.2 victimizations per 1,000 people, compared to 21.7 victimizations per 1,000 for cisgender individuals (Flores et al., 2021). Both transgender women and men face higher rates of violent victimization than their cisgender counterparts. These findings highlight the pervasive violence that transgender individuals face across Turtle Island and around the world, underscoring the urgent need for supportive interventions like trauma-informed counselling.

I have personally experienced street harassment and physical assault as a trans woman living in Vancouver. I know firsthand how troubling and disempowering it can feel, and I also understand the frustration and despair when police ask more questions about my transgender identity than the crime I was reporting. Offering CVAP-funded counselling services is deeply important to me—it’s not just professional; it’s personal and political. As trans and queer therapists, both Audrey and I have done the hard work of healing from our own traumas, and we are committed to supporting our community, one person at a time. We know what it’s like to face hate, harm, and violence, and we are here to help.

For many LGBTQ individuals, access to mental health support is often limited by income and systemic barriers. The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) helps bridge this gap by offering financial support for counselling services. However, even with CVAP coverage, many in our community still struggle to afford therapy. As a white disabled trans woman, I understand the challenges of securing funding for mental health care. That’s why 30% of my practice is dedicated to low-cost and low-barrier services, ensuring that those with intersecting identities who are pushed to the margins can still access the help they need. If I can’t personally support you, I will work to connect you with other trans* and queer therapists who are equally committed to lifting up the most marginalized among us.

What is the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)?

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) provides financial support to individuals who have experienced trauma as a result of a crime, including violent crime, hate-based violence, and harassment. Whether you have been directly impacted, witnessed a crime, or lost a loved one to violence, CVAP may help cover the costs of your counselling and other essential services to aid in your recovery.

Since its inception in 2002, CVAP has provided more than $275 million in benefits to victims, their immediate family members, and witnesses. The program is governed by the Crime Victim Assistance Act (CVAA) and is administered by the Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. CVAP offers a range of benefits, including coverage for medical and counselling expenses, income support, and more. However, it’s important to note that CVAP is based on a financial assistance model rather than a compensation model, meaning it provides essential financial support without needing to pursue civil damages or wait for a lawsuit to conclude.

For counselling services, CVAP covers $135 per session. For clients who are able to contribute, we ask for a small remainder toward our standard fees: I ask for $65 per session, while Audrey requests $15 per session. However, no one will be turned away due to financial barriers. We believe that trauma-informed, gender-affirming care should be accessible to all, regardless of their financial situation.

CVAP has been a critical resource for survivors of crime in British Columbia. By providing direct financial support to victims, the program helps individuals access crucial services without the complexities and delays of a civil lawsuit, ensuring timely care in the wake of traumatic events. This is especially important for those of us in the LGBTQ community, as financial barriers often stand in the way of accessing quality care.

If you believe you may be eligible for CVAP, you can explore the full range of benefits and application processes on the official CVAP website or speak with a Victim Services worker who can assist with your application.

Who Is Eligible for CVAP?

You may be eligible for the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) if you or an immediate family member have been directly impacted by a violent crime or have witnessed a traumatic event. Crimes covered under CVAP include physical and sexual assault, domestic violence, and other forms of interpersonal violence. Importantly, you do not need to have reported the crime to the police to qualify for support. Whether you were a direct victim or a witness, CVAP recognizes the emotional, psychological, and physical toll that crime can have on your life.

In addition to victims of crime, CVAP provides support to immediate family members, including spouses, children, parents, and siblings, who have lost a loved one to violence or have been deeply affected by witnessing a crime. The program acknowledges the ripple effects that trauma can have, extending care to family members who are also navigating their own healing journeys.

At our practice, we believe in reminding you that you are never to blame for the harm caused to you, and the trauma you’ve experienced does not define you. Support is available, and recovery is possible. CVAP is designed to help individuals and families find the care they need to heal and reclaim their sense of safety and well-being.

Our Commitment to Anti-Oppressive, Trauma-Sensitive Care

At our practice, we are deeply committed to an anti-oppressive and intersectional approach to therapy. We understand that trauma is never isolated; it is shaped by the intersections of race, gender, class, ability, and other identities that each individual carries. While trauma affects everyone uniquely, we recognize that Black, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities endure additional layers of systemic oppression that we, as white therapists, do not. Though we are disabled, trans, and queer, we approach our work with humility, striving to remain mindful of the distinct and pervasive forms of discrimination faced by Black and Indigenous individuals—violence rooted in systems designed to exclude and oppress.

Our commitment to providing inclusive, trauma-sensitive, and gender-affirming care ensures that clients, particularly those with intersecting marginalized identities, feel genuinely seen, supported, and respected throughout their healing journeys. We are not simply offering therapy—we are creating a space where the complexity of your lived experiences is acknowledged and honoured.

As a trans and queer therapist, I deeply understand the compounded layers of trauma and systemic oppression that Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and queer individuals frequently face. Our practice is a safe and compassionate environment where healing can begin to take root. Whether you are exploring your gender identity or working through the long-term effects of trauma, we are here to walk alongside you. Our goal is to support you in reclaiming your sense of autonomy, agency, and well-being—one step at a time.

Why Anti-Oppressive Care Matters

Anti-oppressive care is fundamental to our practice because it acknowledges the power imbalances that exist in society and how these imbalances shape the lives of marginalized communities. For Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), as well as for Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and queer individuals, systems of oppression—including racism, colonialism, transphobia, and ableism—affect access to care, safety, and overall well-being. Anti-oppressive care means recognizing these broader societal forces that contribute to the trauma our clients carry and actively working to dismantle them within the therapeutic space.

In our practice, anti-oppressive care is not just a concept—it’s a practical, actionable framework. We approach each session with an awareness of how intersecting identities like race, gender, class, and ability shape each person’s experience of trauma, discrimination, and healing. As white therapists, we are constantly reflecting on our own privilege, recognizing that while we experience discrimination as trans, queer, and disabled individuals, we do not face the same forms of oppression endured by Black and Indigenous communities. This humility fuels our intention to be more thoughtful and deliberate in our work.

By centering anti-oppressive care, we ensure that all clients—especially those most marginalized by society—are seen, valued, and supported. Our goal is to create a space where healing is not only possible but rooted in respect, solidarity, and justice.

Why Trauma-Sensitive Care Matters

Trauma-sensitive care is at the core of our practice because it goes beyond simply being informed—it’s about being attuned to how trauma shapes the brain, body, and spirit. For many marginalized communities—especially Two Spirit, trans, nonbinary, and queer individuals—trauma is compounded by layers of systemic oppression, discrimination, and violence. Trauma-sensitive care means that we don’t just recognize these impacts; we actively create a therapeutic space where clients feel safe, validated, and empowered to share their experiences without fear of judgment or dismissal.

In our practice, trauma-sensitive care is an actionable commitment to approaching each client with a deep awareness of how trauma affects the whole person. It requires close listening, thoughtful responses, and being fully present throughout the healing process. By fostering an environment grounded in safety, compassion, and understanding, we support clients in reclaiming their autonomy and well-being, helping them feel secure and supported as they navigate their healing journey.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you believe you’re eligible for Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) funding, or if you’re unsure and need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’ve experienced trauma firsthand or know someone who has, we are here to support you. You can contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll help you begin your healing journey. Healing is possible, and no one should have to face trauma alone.

How to Apply for CVAP

Applying for CVAP funding is a straightforward process, and we’re here to help you navigate it. You can access application forms on the CVAP website or through community organizations that offer victim services. When completing your application, provide as much detail as possible about the incident, any injuries or trauma you’ve experienced, and any receipts for expenses related to your recovery. While a police report is not required to apply, giving clear and specific information will help with processing your application.

You can learn more about CVAP, including how to apply for funding, through VictimLinkBC, available at 1-800-563-0808, or by visiting the CVAP website.

Let’s Continue the Conversation

If you have already been approved for CVAP funding and are looking for a counsellor, we invite you to reach out for a free consultation. We will connect you with either myself or Audrey to discuss how we can support you in your healing journey. We look forward to the chance to walk alongside you on your path toward growth and healing.

References

Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP). (n.d.). Financial assistance & benefits. Government of British Columbia. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits

Flores, A. R., Meyer, I. H., Langton, L. L., & Herman, J. L. (2021). Gender identity disparities in criminal victimization: National Crime Victimization Survey, 2017–2018. American Journal of Public Health, 111(4), 726-733. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2020.306099

Victim Services & Crime Prevention Division. (2001). Crime Victim Assistance Act, SBC 2001, c 38. Government of British Columbia. https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/01038_01

Disclaimer: This blog offers general educational information and does not constitute professional advice or establish a therapist-client relationship. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance. Any decisions based on the content are the reader’s responsibility, and Clayre Sessoms Psychotherapy assumes no liability. All case studies are hypothetical with fictional names and do not reflect actual people. We prioritize your privacy and the confidentiality of all of our clients. We are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive space for 2SLGBTQIA+ community care.

Clayre Sessoms is a trans, queer, and neurodivergent Registered Psychotherapist (RP), Certified Sensorimotor Psychotherapist, and Board Certified Art Therapist (ATR-BC), offering online therapy for trans*, nonbinary, queer, and 2SLGBTQIA+ allied adults and teens across Canada. With a deep commitment to trauma-attuned gender-affirming care, Clayre integrates talk therapy, experiential collaboration, and creative expression to support clients to grow, heal, or navigate change. When not working with clients or supervising newly-licensed therapists, Clayre finds solace in nature, where she recharges her creativity and compassion.