File # Public Advisory
2014-03-17 11:53 PDT

Taking Action is the theme for National Victims of Crime Week, April 6-12, 2014. This year, to help you take action, the Coquitlam RCMP Victim Services Unit (VSU) is offering two events to raise awareness about issues facing victims of crime and the services, programs and laws in place to help victims and their families. These events were made possible by funding provided by Justice Canada’s Victim Fund.

1. Surviving Major Life Change - Symptoms, Sources and Survival Strategies workshop, presented by Denis Boyd, Registered Psychologist. Residents of the Tri-Cities who have either experienced trauma, support a victim of crime, or are interested in learning more, are encouraged to register for this free and informative seminar.

• When: April 10, 2014
• Time: 6pm-9pm
• Where: City of Coquitlam, Council Chambers, 3000 Guildford Way, Coquitlam
• Cost: Free, however pre-registration is required
• Register: Call 604-945-1586 or email Stephanie Unrau by April 2, 2014.
• Light meal and refreshments will be provided.

2. Victim Services Treasure Hunt – Between April 6 and 30, the Coquitlam RCMP VSU invites you to go on a treasure hunt in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. Starting April 6, a treasure box (geocache), filled with stress relieving objects and information on the services available to victims of crime, will be hidden in each community. The exact location, including GPS coordinates, of the geocaches will be available at www.geocaching.com.

From on-scene crisis response and follow up to helping victims navigate the judicial system, the Coquitlam RCMP VSU has a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who take action by supporting victims and witnesses of crime. We work with numerous agencies and community members who also take action by helping those who have been victimized. Together, the work these people and agencies do to support victims of crime directly contributes to the RCMP's ultimate goal of keeping our community safe and secure.

For further information or to access Coquitlam RCMP VSU, please call 604-945-1585. If you require additional information about a Victim Services Unit in another location, please contact VictimLINK, a provincial toll free victim support line at 1-800-563-0808.

Visit our website for more information on how to become a VSU volunteer.

Coquitlam RCMP's Victim Services Unit's Facts and Stats:

• Provides information on the status of the police investigation and the progress of the case through the court system.
• Assists victims in completing Victim Impact Statements.
• Provides court updates and court orientation and accompaniment for witnesses who are required to testify.
• Has served over 900 victims of crime or trauma in 2013.
• Receives the majority of our referrals from police officers with some of our referrals from hospital social workers, school counselors, medical practitioners, other Victim Services Units and VictimLINK. Self-referrals are also accepted.
• Has referred victims of crime to community organizations, programs and services over 700 times in 2013. Some of these organizations included: SHARE Family Services, Tri-City Transitions Society Victim Assistance Program, Tri-City Mental Health, transition/safe houses and community support groups.
• In 2013, Victim Service volunteers donated over 4,633 hours to the program.

Released by

Cpl. Jamie Chung

Media Relations Officer
Coquitlam RCMP
coquitlam.bc.rcmp.ca
2986 Guildford Way, Coquitlam, BC V3B 7Y5
Office: 604-945-1580
Fax: 604-552-7300

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca