It is Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, and yesterday, the Manitoulin/North Shore Victim Services hosted two proclamation signings and flag lowering ceremonies, the first at the Espanola Town Hall and in the afternoon at the NEMI Municipal Hall in Little Current.
Amy Collins, the executive director of the services, says it is important never to forget the victims.
Annually, the Department of Justice sets aside a specific time to bring awareness to the general public of the challenges faced by those experiencing or who have experienced victimization and the survivors of crime. This year, from May 11th – May 17th, we honour those who have survived harms done to them.
A victim is defined as any individual who has suffered physical or emotional harm, property damage or economic loss as a result of an offence.
It’s been 40 years since Canada took victims of crime seriously, and since then, the need for victims to be heard, informed and to be protected through support and assistance has been actively recognized.
In short when we consider the services and supports that may be required to assist in these occurrences we know first responders such as police, fire and ambulance can be reached with a call to 911, but sometimes neither of these are used to report an incident and supports such as helplines, crisis services, violence against woman programs, emergency shelters, sexual assault centres, mental health and addictions programs are used.
Today, we are here to bring awareness to the rights of those who have experienced victimization and the people who represent them.
Everyone has the right to live free from fear and to be protected. Many services are in place to protect those at risk of or experiencing harm, and some programs can assist to lessen the emotional burden such as Victim Crisis Assistance of Ontario and supports to lessen the financial burden such as immediate emergency expenses, and funeral expenses to victims of violent crimes through the Victim Quick Response Program administered by victim services.
In Ontario, the Ministry of Attorney General oversees the delivery of court-based and legal support programs, and the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services supports the delivery of a range of services that assist victims.
The Canadian Victim Bill of Rights includes a set of principles that guide how justice system officials should treat victims at different stages of the criminal justice process and the information that victims are entitled to receive.
It goes without saying that victims should always be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect for their personal dignity and privacy.
Victim information, along with forms to apply to specific services, can be found on justicecanada.ca. website, or by calling your local victim services, such as Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services.
Following her presentation, the flags were lowered, and a moment of silence was held for all those affected by crime and tragic circumstances.
At the end of the day, it is the survivors who are left to begin the process of working through the trauma and taking steps to secure their safety and well-being. We want to acknowledge the strength and resilience it takes to do so. We want to take a moment to acknowledge the ones we have lost to acts of crime.
The ones who are left to pick up the pieces of a life once lived without fear.
To take a moment to reflect on the efforts of those involved to support them
Let’s take a moment for them.
The flags were then lowered, and a moment of silence was held for all those affected by crime and tragic circumstances.
Collins adds the Power of Collaboration Conference will be held this Friday, May 16th at 9:00 am at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre and anyone who wishes to attend can contact the office to RSVP.
Call 705-370-3378 to register.
