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Mandate
To provide support, information and assistance to victims of crime, trauma or tragedy in the home, schools and the community.
Police officers have always provided service to crime victims. Although police work focuses on law enforcement, protection and investigation, police are often called on to assist victims in a variety of ways, above and beyond the call of duty.
Most police organizations in Canada are or have already implemented a specialized position for victim services as a way of responding to the increasing demands and needs of victims. This initiative recognizes and responds to the needs that victims have not always received but deserve to have. The police responding to the larger societal concern about victims of crime.
There are many community resources whose focus is geared toward victims of crime. Shelters for women and children, crisis telephone hotlines, addiction services and multi facet programs to assist victim of physical/sexual assault, with many outreach programs for children, adolescents and teens. Referral for Victim Impact Statement if an accused is found guilty, victim compensation for loss, court and witness preparation.
Various Victim Services programs have developed in Canada. The model for the Rothesay Regional Police Force includes follow up and referral, victim/witness services. The range of services is broad from initial contact to court accompaniment. Self referrals and officer referrals are common or victims are identified from police files. Normal business hours are kept with some extension into early evening hours and emergencies.
The investigating officers will initiate the process of obtaining assistance for you. They may advise or direct you to contact the Victim Services Coordinator.
If I Am A Victim Who Will Help Me?
The Victim Services Coordinator is a civilian nurse with specialized training and an advocate volunteer from the community. The scope of assistance includes:
- bereavement
- crisis intervention
- family violence
- suicide awareness
- court procedures
- victim/witness preparation
- home security
- sexual assault
- crime prevention
- referral for victim impact statement
- education and communication
Bullies and Harassment
One of the main concerns in our community schools is the bullying and harassment of students from kindergarten to grade 12.
As victim services coordinator, I have great concern for these students along with teachers and parents.
I am not only concerned for the bullied student, I am concerned for the bully, who needs to be educated that this type of behaviour is wrong, unacceptable and against the law.
I would appreciate any input you may have related to this concern. Any suggestion, comments or questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Debby Somerville, Victim Services Coordinator, Rothesay Regional Police Force, 848-6623 or E-mail rrpf@nbnet.nb.ca
Victim Services Coordinator
Objectives:
- Assist victims in coping with crime or tragic circumstances.
- Educate victims about community services.
Referrals can be made for victims of abuse, assault, sexual assault, robbery, spousal abuse, fire, break and enter, property crimes, homicide, suicide, sudden death stalking and traffic accidents.
- Lessen trauma of being victimized.
Dealing with crisis is difficult. Effective listening helps individuals decrease their stress level and cope more effectively. Emotional support makes dealing with a crisis tolerable.
- Provide information to the community.
Dealing with crisis is something all people may face at some point in their lives. Fear, rage, isolation, confusion and physical trauma causes intense mental and physical distress. The community should be aware 0f services available to them in order to access them. Victim services can give immediate support when dealing with a crisis.
Emotional support and assistance can help victims cope more effectively with crisis.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact Debby Somerville (victim service coordinator) at the Rothesay Regional Police Station - (506) 847-6300 or (506) 848-6623.
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