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Stay Connected Police Based Victim Services
Police Based Victim Services provides victims of crime and other traumas, their family members and witnesses, emotional support, practical assistance and appropriate referrals to community resources.
Our goal is to reduce further trauma associated with the victimization and to empower the victim.
Categories of incidents/occurrences in which assistance is provided:
- Property offences - break and enter, theft, willful damage, arson, mischief
- Violent crimes - assaults, threats, kidnapping, robbery
- Fatalities/sudden deaths - suicides, traffic fatalities, drowning, industrial accidents, natural deaths, homicides
- Fraud/extortion/forgery
- Violence in relationships – assaults, harassment, stalking
- Sexual assaults/abuse – adult and children, historical sexual assault
- Family disputes/violence
- Missing persons
- Witness to a crime or other traumatic events
What you can expect from the program
- Victim service workers respond to police requests for assistance at the scene as follows: Mon-Wed 8am-4pm; Thurs-Fri 8am-6pm; Sat-Sun 8am-4pm
- Critical incident stress debriefing
- Transportation
- Help locating alternative shelter and services after an emergency
- Victim service workers accompany police to notify next-of-kin after a sudden death
- Case specific information on status of police investigation
- Notification of court appearance dates and outcomes
- Liaison with Crown Counsel on victim’s court files
- Information on the criminal justice system, police procedures, correction/parole services, crime prevention and safety planning
- Information on funeral planning and estate issues
- Referrals are provided to appropriate resources in the community for counselling, medical and health services, legal assistance, shelters, resource centres, seniors services, transition houses
- Referral to and liaison with Community Based Victim Services
Victim Services can assist throughout the Criminal Justice System with:
Court orientation and accompaniment
- Attend with victims/witnesses to court
- Court orientation and explanation of court staff roles
- Review victim/witness responsibilities
- Provide literature on legal terms, questions and answers
- Explanation of the criminal justice system and role of Crown Counsel
Court updates and information
- Updates on court appearance dates and results
- Explanation of the various hearings and appearances
- Information on charges of the accused
- Notification of bail conditions
- Sentencing Information
- Ensuring victim has copies of relevant no contact conditions
- Liaison with Crown Counsel office
Victim Impact Statements
- Explanation of purpose of Victim Impact Statements
- Assistance with completing Victim Impact Statements
The Victims of Crime Act
The Victims of Crime Act gives all victims of crime the right to receive information:
Police Investigation
All victims are entitled to know the status of their police investigation, in consultation with the investigator, who will explain how the case is progressing or whether it is closed. Victim Services can assist in explaining police procedures, providing the police file number or directing the victim to the investigating police member.
Court Information
Victims are entitled to obtain information about court appearances, bail status, sentencing, and final dispositions. Victim Services can provide an explanation of the judicial system as well as assist in filing out Victim Impact Statements.
Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
Victims may apply to CVAP to recover certain costs incurred as a result of the incident, such as counselling, medical and dental expenses, loss of wages, home modifications. The application process can be explained by Victim Services staff.
Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act
Legislation that protects victim’s personal information from unauthorized use. Victims may
also apply for information about or copies of their police files.
How To Access Services
Service is available to all victims of crime and police-related incidents, witnesses, and affected family members. Referral to the program is generally from police, but anyone may call in and service is free. There is no wait list, but services depend on availability of the workers.
Please call a Victim Services Worker at 604-885-5554.
This program is funded by:
Program Contact Information
Office Hours:
Monday-Wednesday 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Thursday and Friday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
5800 Teredo Street
PO Box 188
Sechelt, BC V0N 3A0