Our volunteer advocates are community-minded, everyday people trained to help everyday people. Advocates are first responders, available to provide support during the first few critical hours after an incident. This is particularly relevant for those who do not have a family or friends support base to rely upon. Advocates respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week to requests to attend to victims of crime or tragedy.

 

Volunteer advocates are the backbone of the program. Each year, they contribute over 3,000 volunteer hours with on-call crisis response, training, meetings etc. These volunteers give of themselves to aid and support countless people during their most difficult and trying times. The work they do is extraordinary – who knows the value of listening to a mother’s heart as she’s just found out her daughter was sexually assaulted? Or the value of comforting grieving parents who have suddenly lost a child to suicide? They know the value of being there for each person in crisis; the story could be homicide, suicide, sudden death, sexual assault, domestic and family violence, a motor vehicle fatality and more.

 

Our assistance is specific to those victims and that incident. After the initial referral and first support, we follow up with the victim(s) to continue to provide information and referrals as the need arises. Our relationship may extend to court orientation and accompaniment (should the case warrant a trial) and informing the victim of Victim Impact Statements, Financial Benefits for Victims of Violent Crime, Restitution, etc. The length of the follow up will vary depending on the nature of the incident, and the needs of the victim. Victim Services acts as a central information point for victims regarding the status of the investigation, court cases and trial disposition.

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As of January , 2024, Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society will not be accepting Volunteer Advocate applications. If you are interested in volunteering in the area please consider Red Deer City Victim Services (403-406-2345) or Lacombe Police Service Victim Services (403-782-3279 ext 152).

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