Tessa Charlebois was once a victim of domestic violence.
Today, the Thunder Bay woman volunteers with the organization that helped her change her life –Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services. Charlebois was at city hall Wednesday afternoon for a flag-raising and the declaration of the first Victims of Crime Awareness Day.
“After being in an abusive relationship, I knew exactly what it was like to be there. I experienced fear. I experienced helplessness, anxiety, the list goes on,” she said.
“Now knowing exactly what it’s all about, I want to reach out and help out other women.”
Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services is also celebrating its 10th anniversary and Charlebois said having a day dedicated to victims of crime is important for survivors.
“We go through a lot. I went through a very, very dark time for a few years and it’s nice to be represented and bring out awareness and say we are here to help and there is help,” she said.
Victim Services helped Charlebois in many ways, including have someone attend the court process with her, and they are there for victims of any kind of crime or tragedy, from robbery or assault to motor vehicle collisions and suicides.
Volunteers will attend a scene if a victim calls or if they’re referred by emergency services personnel.
“We’ll sit and listen to that victim, provide some community referrals, whatever they need depending on what’s happened to them and what’s brought us there,” said program manager Deborah Dika.
Victim Services is a vital service for people that either don’t have family or friends or don’t want family and friends to know what’s happened.
“They may never recognize our face again. They may never know who we were that came in their door, but they’ll know somebody was there that cared, supported them and listened to their story,” Dika said.
For more information, visit Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services online.
