Released on October 28, 2002
Justice Minister Chris Axworthy today kicked-off a week-long commemorationmarking the 10th anniversary of victims services programs in Saskatchewan.
The launch event was held at the Regina Police Service building, the site
of the first police-affiliated victims services program in the province.
"For ten years now, Victims Services programs have put a caring and
familiar face on the justice system," Axworthy said. "They have provided
comfort, advocacy, and a sense of security to people in need, and they have
helped to reduce the trauma experienced by victims during their involvement
with the criminal justice process. The value of that type of service and
commitment, accumulated over a period of ten years, is immeasurable."
The Victims Services Program was established by the Department of Justice
in 1992 to support victims of crime and respond to their needs as they come
into contact with the justice system. The program provides crisis
intervention services, victim/witness support services, and compensation
for victims of crime.
Axworthy highlighted significant accomplishments over the last decade in
the department's response to victims, noting the establishment of:
seventeen police-affiliated programs available to over 80 per cent
of Saskatchewan's population;
Children's Justice Centres in Saskatoon and Regina that support an
integrated and coordinated response to child abuse;
Victims of Domestic Violence legislation, passed in 1995, that
provides for an immediate response to domestic violence victims at
the time of the crisis;
programs that help ensure Aboriginal victims receive culturally
sensitive information and support; and
a Victim Impact Statement program that gives victims the
opportunity to tell the Court how the crime has affected them.
"This comprehensive group of programs and services show that we are working
hard to respond to the real and complex needs of victims," Axworthy
said. "All of this would not be possible, however, without the commitment
of so many dedicated volunteers who give freely of their time."
Last year alone, approximately 320 volunteers gave 24,000 hours of their
time. These trained volunteers work closely with local police and
community agencies.
A number of events will be taking place throughout Saskatchewan during
Victims Services Week. On Thursday, Lieutenant Governor Lynda Haverstock
will host a tea at Government House to honour invited guests who have been
valued volunteers of victims services programs around the province.
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For more information, contact:
Debi McEwen
Justice
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6043
E-mail: dmcewen@justice.gov.sk.ca