NNSL (DEC 18/96) - Marilyn Pike is looking for a commitment. She's the new Victim Services co-ordinator and she's needs volunteers willing to commit to three hours a week to help their neighbors.

Victim Services volunteers are "good-neighbors" to victims of crimes. They are not counsellors, but act as moral support to people in crisis.

"We're there for the victim after any crime, either sexual assault or robbery. Right now we're with a family going through a coroner's inquest," Pike said.

The volunteers are on the front line, Pike said, often called on by the hospital or the RCMP to talk with or just listen to a victim.

Maureen Beauchamp has been a Victim Services volunteer for two years. She's a trained HELP Line volunteer but prefers face-to-face meetings with people.

"When someone has trauma in their life, they need support. We listen, refer people to professional help and just be there," she said.

The program has worked out of an office in the RCMP station since it started five years ago. The office is open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m week nights and 24 hours a day on weekends. Volunteers are on call and there's always a back-up.

During weekdays the phone is manned by Pike at the Native Women's Association office.

A 40-hour training course offers volunteers personal development, improved listening skills and updates them on community resources.