Yellowknife (Apr 25/03) - Some victims of crime don't know help is available to them, according to victim services workers.

Wednesday was Victim's Day and victim service staff, volunteers and RCMP officers worked a shift at Subway sandwich shop to raise money and awareness.

Others manned a booth at Centre Square Mall where people dropped off teddy bears for children who have experienced trauma or must go to court.

Victim services co-ordinator Audrey Zoe said many victims don't realize support exists until they are going through the court process.

Victims tend to believe family violence is just a "normal" part of life, she said. "Only (when they get to court) do they realize not everyone lives that way or has to be treated that way."

They also don't know about victim impact statements about what the incident did to them personally and/or financially, said victim services employee Marie Speakman.

"It's a very powerful tool for them," she said.

"It gives them a voice."

Victim services is run out of the NWT Native Women's Association, and a sub-office at the RCMP detachment.

Speakman also assists with the federal department of justice's victim services program.

According to Zoe, the RCMP are getting better at referring people to victim services.

Yellowknife RCMP Sgt. Al McCambridge said Speakman has gained the trust and credibility of RCMP members who will refer victims to her care.

Victim services staff and volunteers are with the RCMP while police conduct their investigations.

They explain in a compassionate way to the victim why police are in the victim's home, or why the coroner's office is involved.

Victim services workers also prepare the victim for the sometimes scary business of appearing in court by explaining the process.

"They are a friendly face to speak to or a hand to hold through the process," said McCambridge.

Fort Smith, Inuvik and Hay River also have victim services programs.