Working in Partnership with the
RCMP
Central Albert Victim & Witness Support Society works in partnership with the RCMP to provide support, information and referrals to victims of crime or tragedy.
We Support
Our mandate is to provide direct support, information, referral and education for victims of crime or tragedy until their own support systems are in place.
Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society provides services to the people of Blackfalds, Clive, Joffre, Springbrook, the Summer Village of Gull Lake, a large portion of Lacombe County, and a large portion of Red Deer County. Victim Support can be provided at the request of a police officer, a referral from another agency, detachment walk-in or phone inquiries. Trained Victim Support Advocates come to the immediate aid of those whose lives have been shattered by crime or tragedy. This may include someone who has been sexually assaulted, harassed, beaten, robbed, involved in a motor vehicle accident, who has experienced the sudden death of a loved one or whom has been the victim of a break in. The advocates provide immediate and direct support, compassion, a listening ear, and direction on obtaining support related services. All services are free and confidential. Advocates can provide court preparation and accompany victims to court, as well as track criminal proceedings for the victim, should it be required.
New Service Area- As of December 2022, Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society now offers services to the Sylvan Lake RCMP Detachment area.
Message from the Executive Director
Our Vision
We assist in bridging the gap from hurt to hope to empower survivors of crime and tragedy to take control of their lives.
Our Mission
To equip clients to engage positively and productively in their community through our professional and compassionate provision of direct support, information, referral and education.
Goals of the Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society:
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Lessen the immediate impact of a crime on a victim
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Help victims cope with the effects of a crime by providing support, information and referrals to existing social agencies
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Focus on the prevention of further victimization and provide encouragement to the victim
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Help to increase the "availability time" of RCMP Members and be of service to investigators by providing assistance to the victim during the investigation of a crime
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Actively participate in preventative crime deterrents with potential victims
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Promote positive liaisons between RCMP Members, Court systems and the victim
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Promote ongoing public awareness
Guiding Principles for Helping Victims:
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To treat victims with courtesy and compassion and respect their dignity and privacy so they only suffer the minimum inconvenience from their involvement with the criminal justice system
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To ensure victims receive prompt and fair attention for the harm they have suffered
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To provide information regarding the victim’s rights, remedies and the methods to obtain them
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To provide information to the victims about their participation in criminal proceedings, scheduling and disposition
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To ascertain the views and concerns of the victims and provide the appropriate assistance throughout the criminal process
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To ensure the personal interests, views and concerns of the victim are brought to the attention of the court where appropriate and consistent with criminal law and procedure
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To provide options to the victims and their families to ensure their safety
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To inform the victim of health and social services and other relevant assistance
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To encourage victims to report the crime and cooperate with law enforcement
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To provide well-trained volunteers who are able to maintain the integrity of the Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society and that all contact with members, victims and the public at large is kept confidential
Message From Executive Director
Welcome to the Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society’s website.
Thank-you for visiting our website. We encourage you to navigate through the information to learn more about the support services we offer to victims & witnesses of crime and tragedy in communities throughout Central Alberta.
The services we offer are available 24/7, 365 days a year. Our goal is to assist in bridging the gap from hurt to hope by providing support in hopes to empower and lessen the trauma faced by victims.
Our Society is a non-profit organization with a remarkable team of highly trained and compassionate staff and volunteer advocates providing confidential front-line support and assisting in times of crisis.
Our team is available to provide immediate assistance to those in need, offer referrals as they relate to each individual circumstance, and provide ongoing court information, accompaniment, and updates as required.
Through our strong community partnerships, relationships with other agencies and local businesses we hope to maintain a strong presence in our communities and spread awareness letting victims and witnesses of crime and tragedy know that they are not alone!
If you have been a victim of a crime or tragedy and don’t know where to turn, or if you are searching for information, we encourage you to contact us at 1-403-885-3355 or email admin@victimsupport.ca.
Sincerely,
Shawna Wyatt
Executive Director
