$5.5 million helps local safety efforts go like gangbusters in B.C.

RICHMOND - A total of 185 community groups, local governments and policing agencies are sharing $5.5 million to help reduce youth involvement in gangs, prevent violence against women and children, and further crime prevention, thanks to a record year of civil forfeiture proceeds.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Shirley Bond made the announcement at Touchstone Family Association in Richmond, which received $210,000 to continue its prevention work with young people who may be at risk of joining a gang.

In addition to anti-gang programs, the projects receiving funds will:

* Raise awareness of the dangers of the drug Ecstasy.

* Prevent violence against women and children, including those in abusive relationships and vulnerable women.

* Build awareness about domestic violence among school-aged children.

* Counter human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

* Support restorative justice training throughout B.C.

* Fund police training and equipment that will aid local crime prevention efforts.

Touchstone's Street Smarts Project serves youth referred by probation ...