VICTIMS SERVICES PROGRAM FOR STONY RAPIDS AND BLACK LAKE RECEIVES FUNDING

A police-based Victims Services Program for the northern communities of Stony Rapids and Black Lake will be established with annual funding of $70,000 from the Government of Saskatchewan.

Victims Services Programs offer help and support to victims of crime or traumatic event immediately after a crime and throughout the criminal justice process.

"Communities in northern Saskatchewan have some of the highest rates of violent crime, and it is our goal to enhance supports to victims in these communities," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "Providing expanded services to victims of crime in northern Saskatchewan is one of our Government's responses to the recommendations of the Commission on First Nations and Métis Peoples and Justice Reform."

The addition of the Victims Services Program in Stony Rapids and Black Lake brings to 18 the number of such programs across the province. More than 80 per cent of Saskatchewan's population has access to police-based victims services.

Oct. 31st to Nov. 6th marks Victims Services Week, with events that aim to increase understanding about the needs of victims of crime, and recognize the contribution of hundreds of volunteers in Victims Services Programs across the province. The theme of this year's Victims Services Week is "Continuing 100 Years of Heart". The theme supports Saskatchewan's Centennial year and celebrates the province's commitment to volunteerism.

Each year, approximately 300 victims services volunteers give more than 17,000 hours of their time to help almost 15,000 victims of crime in Saskatchewan.

"Victims Services volunteers unselfishly give of their time and talents to assist victims of crime in Saskatchewan," Quennell said. "During our province's Centennial year, we want to extend special recognition and appreciation to our Victims Services volunteers."

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For More Information, Contact:

Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: (306) 787-8606