Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Feb 01/02) - A new position has been created in town to help victims of crime. Lana Woodfine became victim services co-ordinator Dec. 17, and works with the Inuvik justice committee.

Lana Woodfine just recently signed on as victim services co-ordinator, and works with the Inuvik Justice Committee. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

She explained that so far a lot of her time has been spent figuring out her duties, and making people aware of her position.

"Sometimes the victim has different feelings that they go through, denial or shock, disbelief, stress or sleeplessness, and they don't quite understand why," Woodfine said.

"I'm going to be dealing with the victims right after the offence has occurred or after the trauma has occurred," she said.

"We're just here to support the victim and to help the victim be aware that someone is here to support them and to explain to them what's going to happen. It's important for the victim to know they're supported."

Woodfine noted that ordinarily she will not be spending time in the courtroom, as there is a victim witness assistant program run by the prosecutor's office.

Woodfine explained she'll be getting a lot of referrals from the RCMP and the hospital, along with the Inuvik Transition House. In addition to helping victims directly, she will also refer them to other agencies within town, such as the Family Counselling Centre.

Also required are volunteers to help Woodfine carry out her duties. Training will be provided.

"Volunteers are going to help provide the information and support to the victims, sometimes to go to calls. The RCMP might call (them) to go to the hospital because there's a victim there, she might need to go somewhere or have a friend contacted."

Woodfine came to Inuvik last September as an RCMP officer. She has been with the RCMP for 13 years and took a leave of absence so she could assume her current duties. She is originally from New Brunswick.

"Prior to coming to Inuvik I worked in a community policing victim services section for four years. I've never actually been a co-ordinator, but I have worked with the victims in the past," Woodfine said.