I stand today to acknowledge April 13-18 as National Victims of Crime Awareness Week. The theme this year is Finding the Way Together which demonstrates the importance for both the community and government to collaborate on this important topic.

The Department of Justice administers the Victim Services program, which is a dedicated service for victims of crime. There are 22 victim services co-ordinators which operate from 11 regional offices throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The program is based on the principles that victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect, and that victims should suffer a minimum inconvenience from their involvement with the criminal justice system.

We can all take some comfort in the fact that the incidence of most violent crimes is declining in Canada. However we have to be aware that crime still occurs and has a real and immediate impact upon its victims. By providing the necessary resources to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and Royal Canadian Mounted Police to combat crime, and through supporting the Victim Services program, our government has made real steps to mitigate the effect of criminal activities.

We have invested over $6 million for Victim Services over the past four years coupled with a commitment of $9.2 million over six years for the Violence Prevention Initiative, of which I am proud to be a member of the Ministers� Committee.

I also wish to advise the House and the general public that further information about the National Victims of Crime Awareness Week can be found at www.victimsweek.gc.ca. This website highlights our government�s Family Violence Protection Act as a leading piece of legislation in the field. Just as this legislation was a collaborative effort, we will continue to work with our community partners and ensure those who find themselves before the court as a victim of crime have the necessary supports.
 

2008 04 15                                                 2:00 p.m.