Smithers RCMP recognize National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

This week is the 20th annual National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week across BC.

Several communities across the province are observing the week including Smithers.

This year’s theme is The Power of Collaboration and the importance of working together to support victims and survivors of crime with coordinated, compassionate services.

With the week, the RCMP are highlighting their partnership with the Northern Society for Domestic Peace (NSDP) who operates trauma-informed services in the community.

Those services include:

• Stopping the Violence Counselling and Outreach – support for women experiencing violence
• Domestic Peace Program – services for men and couples focused on healthy relationships
• Children’s PEACE Program – support counselling for children and youth affected by serious family conflict and intimate partner violence
• Specialized Victim Assistance – help for victims of domestic or sexual assault
• Sexual Assault Services – enhanced services for survivors of sexual violence
• Youth Forensics – services for youth involved in the justice system

They also run Police-Based Victim Services (PBVS) with Shannon William and Annie Junkin to provide coordinated support for victims of crime.

“I love what I do because I promote stability, safety and wellness for our community and Indigenous Peoples,” said William.

NSDP also works with police to run Community-Based Victim Services. (CBVS)

“CBVS empowers survivors of domestic violence with choice and a clear path through the court system,” said Program Lead Sheena Lattie.

Both PBVS and CBVS assist survivors with preparing Victim Impact Statements, a powerful component of the justice process that gives survivors the opportunity to express how the crime has affected their lives.