Mandate

Timmins and District Victim Services is a non-profit, community based program that provides immediate crisis assistance though by specially trained community volunteers who are on-call to area police and emergency services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Victim Services Volunteers provide assistance for the following types of occurrences that may include but are not limited to:

History

• Victim Services has existed in Ontario since 1987
• Funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General
• Was proven that the provision of immediate assistance and timely, appropriate referrals did help to reduce trauma and enhance recovery for the effects of victimization
• Providing support services to victims of crime is recognized as sa need in many communities
• There are now 40 Victim Services sites throughout Ontario
• A formation committee was initiated in 1996 by Cst. Gilles Carbonneau of the Timmins Police
• The Ministry approved funding for the program in 1997 and the first staff was hired
• The first group of volunteers were accredited in November 1997
• In 2000, Victim Services expanded to include Matheson and Iroquois Falls
• Over 25 volunteers worked with the Police Services in offering support to victims of crime and tragic circumstance
• Currently we have over 25 volunteers
  
  

Goals & Objectives

• To ensure persons affected by crime, tragedy and disaster receive immediate support and assistance
• To help victims quickly return their lives to a desired degree of stability
• To assist police and other emergency service providers in meeting the needs of victims
• To facilitate the connection between victims and the appropriate community support services
• To provide follow up contact to ensure victims have received and will continue to receive assistance, if required
• To educate the community about victimization
• To reduce the possibility of revictimization
• Help victim to regain a sense of personal control
• To provide public education as to the effects of crime and tragedy and the existence of resources within the community
• To provide the opportunity for police to either concentrate on the investigational procedures knowing the victim's emotional needs are being met or to leave the scene to attend to other calls of a service
• To encourage personal empowerment and self care
• To dispel self blame by placing the responsibility on the offender
  
  

Summary

Timmins and District Victim Services is not a counseling service; our trained volunteers provide emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime and tragic circumstance. Our primary goal is to provide immediate support and then act as a link for victims to locate appropriate agencies and services within their community.