Port Alberni’s RCMP Victim Services team wants to give victims back their power following crimes. They are holding a public event this Thursday, June 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Char’s Landing to show them how.
RCMP Victim Services helps people deal with the aftermath of a serious crime, from providing emotional support to helping people navigate the legal system.
“We know being a victim of crime or a survivor of crimes, or witnesses of crimes is traumatizing for individuals,” says Heather Turner, assistant manager of RCMP Victim Services.
‘Crime’ means different things to different people: it could be anything from witnessing a serious assault to a senior having their purse stolen with all their identification and money. “If your life has been impacted by a crime and the police are involved, that’s when we’re involved,” said RCMP Victim Services manager, Tamara Cocco.
“It can be super stressful,” added RCMP Insp. Brian Hunter. “People are focusing on surviving in that moment. Where do you go when that happens? We’ve been finding there’s a lack of knowledge of what [services are] available,” he said.
The event at Char’s Landing is called Empowering Resilience: Honouring Victims and Survivors of Crime, and is part of National Victims of Crime Week.
Some of the groups that will be on hand at the event include the RCMP, RCMP Victim Services, Alberni Community and Women’s Services Society (ACAWS), INEO Employment Services, Port Alberni Friendship Centre, Family Guidance, the Ministry of Children and Family Development and more.
Victim Services staff and volunteers can refer people to appropriate services and resources, Cocco said.
“This isn’t about teddy bears and colouring books, although we can do that,” Hunter said. “That’s not what we’re about. We’re going to help you through this journey that you’ve suddenly become a part of.”
Victim Services is also collecting old working cellphones. and chargers for donation to help those fleeing dangerous situations.
For more information on the Empowering Resilience event, please call the RCMP non-emergency line at 250-723-2424 or direct to 250-724-8910. These numbers are also listed on the City of Port Alberni website, at www.portalberni.ca.
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