.

Home page

Text size

E-mail this page

SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE -

Yellowknife Victim Services program co-ordinator Rebecca Hall, left, and worker Marie Speakman are looking for volunteers to join their team. - Cara Loverock/NNSL photo

"We can be there right from the beginning until they no longer need us," said Rebecca Hall, Victim Services coordinator.

Hall said they could be with someone when they are making a police statement or helping them through the court process, aiding them in understanding what can sometimes be confusing legal speak.

She said the definition of "victim" as the organization defines it, is broad.

"We try to be a support for people going through crisis," said Hall. "Anyone who has had harm come to them."

Sometimes people are referred to them by the police or social services and sometimes they come in on their own. The reason Victim Services are able to operate on a 24-hour basis is because of what Hall calls the "backbone" of the program.

"Without volunteers we wouldn't be able to offer 24-hour service," she said. Victim Services is now looking for volunteers for a training session running from Feb. 28 to April 11. She said the training will take place after usual business hours of 9 to 5 p.m.

Hall said they aren't looking for a specific background but said it is a "very demanding job," although also very rewarding. That sentiment is seconded by Victim Services program worker Marie Speakman. She has been with the organization for more than eight years and said she provides emotional support and referrals for victims.

For instance, she said, she helps individuals write a victim impact statement - often used in court proceedings during sentencing to help the court understand the impact a crime has had on a victim.

"The RCMP (may) call and say 'come to the hospital we have someone here who needs help,'" said Speakman. Other work, she added, may include next-of-kin notification or taking a victim to the police detachment to make a statement.

"It's really rewarding," said Speakman. She said volunteers are "people wanting to contribute to the community."

Volunteers are screened, which includes a criminal background check, but there is no limit to the number of volunteers who can join.