Police officers are often too busy at the scene of a crime filling out the required paperwork to dedicate as much time as they’d like to the victim.
That’s what makes the Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services so important, said Insp. Sylvie Hauth of the Thunder Bay Police Service.
TBAVS volunteers will come to the scene of a crime or tragedy and offer support to the victims in the form of community information, peer support, advocacy and referrals.
“When we are able to call the service and have volunteers come in and help the victims, it’s a tremendous help to us and it ensures the victims are being cared for with compassion, respect and are given the attention and resources they need to help them go through this sometimes very tragic or difficult event,” Hauth said.
Monday was the kickoff of the seventh annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week and TBAVS marked the day with a flag-raising at city hall.
TBAVS board chairwoman Sharon Bak said the weeklong campaign is to show people what services their organization provides and to let people know they are available 24/7 to area victims.
“Often times when crime or tragedy happens, people don’t necessarily have a support system or anyone they can ask questions of or just to provide that peer-to-peer support in the aftermath,” Bak said.
People can access their services without police referral as well.
Bak said that only six out of every 100 sexual assaults are reported to police, which leaves a staggering number of victims that might now have support.
Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services can be reached at 684-1051 or at www.tbayvictimservices.com.
