National Victims of Crime Awareness Week: April 26-May 2, 2009

YELLOWKNIFE (April 28, 2009) – Victim services workers across the Northwest Territories (NWT) are celebrating National Victims of Crime Awareness Week. Events are scheduled throughout the week and include:•Women’s group meeting in Fort Smith (Monday). Call Lynn: 872-3520.
•Residential schools survivors’ meeting in Yellowknife (Tuesday). Call Rebecca and Marie: 920-2978.
•Community breakfast in Fort Simpson (Wednesday). Call Alex: 695-3136.
•Community services open house in Fort Smith (Thursday). Call Lynn: 872-3520.
•World Café: Stomp The Stigma in Yellowknife (Friday). RSVP by April 28 to 920-2978 or to allison.ykvictimservices@gmail.com.

“Victims of crime often need extra support,” said Minister of Justice Jackson Lafferty. “Some need help to talk about what happened to them or to participate in formal court proceedings. Others need information so they can make good decisions about what to do next. Our victim services workers give them the help they need when they need it.”

The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) supports victim services programs in seven communities, with outreach to communities without on-site services. The program includes the following direct services:

•Help to testify in court or at hearings
•Safety planning
•Emotional support in person or by phone
•Referrals to other community agencies
•Help for victims of serious violent crime to complete Victims of Crime Emergency Fund applications
•Information about the progress of the victim’s case

The program contributes to the GNWT’s goal of ensuring communities are sustainable, vibrant and safe, and is one way the GNWT works with families and communities to improve residents’ well-being.

For more information contact:

Megan Holsapple
Communications
Department of Justice
Tel: (867) 920-3130
E-mail: megan_holsapple@gov.nt.ca