by Jennifer Pritchett
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 28/97) - Scared about an upcoming court appearance? Need help dealing with being a victim of crime?

The Yellowknife Victim Services Program provides support, assistance, information and referral service to victims of crime.

Carol Macek, co-ordinator of the program, said the service is set up to provide the emotional support that police officers don't have time to give to victims.

"The RCMP are overworked and understaffed," she said. "A lot of time is spent chasing the bad guys. Victim Services can add the emotional part of policing."

Staff Sgt. Dave Grundy said that the program has real potential to do some good in Yellowknife.

"A lot of victims feel uncomfortable talking to a police officer," he said. "This is a community function, not an arm of the police."

The free service usually offers short-term, assistance or referral to victims or their families in crisis situations.

Housed in the Tapwe Building on 49th Street, Victim Services is part of the Native Women's Association of the NWT. But Macek said that the service is for anyone, not just women.

She is the program's only paid employee, but is staffed with more than 20 volunteers 24 hours a day.

"Once the act is done, there's nothing you can do to change it, but Victim Services can help you get through it," said Macek