NLIS 5
November 13, 2001 
(Justice)

 

Victim Services celebrates 10 years!

The Department of Justice is proud to recognize the 10th anniversary of Victim Services on November 16, which helps victims of crime in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

"This is a milestone worth celebrating. The Victim Services program has grown tremendously in the last 10 years and its accomplishments have been significant," said Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons.

Offices were established in St. John's, Gander, Corner Brook and Happy Valley Goose-Bay, staffed with one regional coordinator per office and became fully operational in January 1992. By 1994, the program grew to 10 regional offices, including the areas of Carbonear, Clarenville, Grand Falls-Windsor, Stephenville, Port Saunders and Nain. Presently, there are 14 full-time and three part-time regional coordinators delivering services to victims of crime.

Available services include general information about the criminal justice system, specific information about a case, pre-court preparation, assisting with completing Victim Impact Statements and providing emotional support and short-term counselling. These professionals also help build awareness and educational activities on victim issues. The Victim Services program is available to victims 16 years and older.

The success of this program is clear with the growing demands for service by voluntary clients. The past year saw the number of activated referrals throughout the province grow to 3,740 from the previous year's 1,840. Victim Services has been built on the principles of victim courtesy, compassion and respect, the philosophy that victims should suffer the minimum of necessary inconvenience from their involvement with the criminal justice system, and that victims should receive prompt and fair redress for the harm they have suffered. 

Another successful aspect of the Victim Services program is the support and involvement of the community. The past 10 years have allowed for a meaningful relationship to develop between Victim Services and the community through addressing local issues, jointly finding solutions and supporting the rights of victims. 

The public are invited to attend a half-day open house at the Victim Services' office in Corner Brook on November 16 from 2-4 p.m.

Media contact: Edwina Bateman, Communications, (709) 729-6985.

2001 11 13                           1:50 p.m.


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