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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Liidlii Kue First Nation is reintroducing a service designed to give victims a voice.

In mid-June Victim Services reopened its doors. The program originally started in September 2006 but was only staffed for a few months. Alex Campbell is the program's new co-ordinator.

With Alex Campbell as the new co-ordinator, Liidlii Kue First Nation has reopened its Victim Services program. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

"When people are victimized, they are often made to feel helpless. It's a horrible feeling," said Campbell.

Victim Services is designed to support victims of crime regardless of whether that crime took place last night or 20 years ago, said Campbell. The definition of what constitutes a crime is also broad.

"That can range from past abuse, residential schools, a victim of drinking and driving or break and enter," Campbell said.

The service helps to identify what victims need and want and hopefully bring some closure as well, he said.

One of the main services Campbell offers is assisting victims through the court process. This can involve emotional support in and out of court as well as acting as a liaison between the RCMP, the Crown and the victim.

Campbell said being part of an investigation or ongoing court case is difficult and can lead to a feeling of double victimization. People feel victimized once because of the offence and then again because they have no control over the decisions that the RCMP and the courts make, he said.

The length of the process can also leave people with anger towards the courts or the RCMP. As part of Victim Services, Campbell offers to act as a mediator between the different parties and help clients find out about the status of an investigation or court case.

After a case is finished the services don't end. Campbell can track upcoming parole hearings and also help victims get the funding to attend them.

Because of the sensitive nature of the work, confidentiality is a key part of the program.

"Confidentiality's my main priority with anything no matter how big or small the matter is," said Campbell.

To help maintain confidentiality and encourage people to use the program, the Victim Services' office has its own entrance in the Liidlii Kue First Nation (LKFN) band office. The program also has a separate phone number and can be reached by e-mail. The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but Campbell is available after hours and can make home visits.

Campbell is originally from Nova Scotia and was most recently a temporary justice co-ordinator in Fort McPherson. He said some people might not feel comfortable talking with him because he's new to the community and because of his gender. In order to meet those victims' needs, the program is looking for volunteers who would receive training and resources allowing them to offer support to victims.

The program offers a service that's needed, said Dennis Nelner, senior band manager for LKFN.

Nelner said LKFN is building its self-governing capacity by offering the program using funds from the territorial government.

"We do our best to look after the victims of crime," he said.

He said when the program was introduced in 2006 it started well but didn't develop far enough before key members of the staff moved away.

"We're hoping we'll bring it back again and people in the community who need it use the service," said Nelner.