Volunteer Advocates are not counsellors or therapists. They are highly trained community members that provide confidential crisis intervention and timely follow-up to victims and their families who have been affected by crime and/or tragedy.
Victim Services receive requests from the RCMP, other emergency services or directly from the general public for assistance.
Advocates work on an on-call basis during which time they are available to assist either by phone or in person.
Advocates are expected to commit to one 12 hour shift per week. They may also be called in to assist in emergency situations.
For safety and security purposes advocates are required to travel in pairs when meeting with victims.
Some of the types of situations where Victim Services are involved can include: domestic violence, criminal harassment, sudden deaths, suicides, property crimes, assaults, threats, motor vehicle collisions, notification of next of kin.
Volunteer Advocates are also able to provide information and assistance to Victims of Crime on programs & services which include:
- Victim Impact Statements
- Financial Benefits Program
- Restitution Forms
- Appropriate referrals to community based programs
- Ongoing Emotional Support