NATIONAL VICTIMS OF CRIME AWARENESS WEEK

April 23rd to 29th, 2006, is the first National Victims of Crime Awareness Week in Canada. This week is also Victims of Crime Awareness Week in Saskatchewan, an event formerly known as Victims Services Week.

This year's theme is "People, Services and Laws: Did you know?" Activities and events held during the week will raise awareness about victims' issues, services that are available to victims and their families and about laws that help protect victims. The week will also highlight progress made for victims across Canada.

"We must continue our efforts to assist victims of crime and highlight to Canadians the important work of those who help victims of crime," said federal Justice Minister Vic Toews. "We want to build on our past successes and renew our commitment to meet the needs of victims and their families."

"Victims of crime need a voice at all stages in the criminal justice system, this is why we will improve the measures put in place to assist them," said federal Minister for Public Safety Stockwell Day. "We will also continue to work toward our clear objective to make communities safer."

All Canadians are encouraged to promote National Victims of Crime Awareness Week locally by joining crime victims, their families, victim advocates and justice professionals planning and taking part in activities to mark the week.

Saskatchewan's Justice Minister Frank Quennell noted that justice is continually served in Saskatchewan through victim-assistance programs that identify and address the needs of crime victims and their families. He also said it is important that we use this week to recognize the dedication of volunteer victims support workers.

"Through the work of Victims Services volunteers, Saskatchewan Justice is better able to respond to people in need in a helpful and compassionate way," Quennell said.

"Volunteer Victim Support Workers help to put a caring and familiar face on the justice system. They provide comfort, advocacy and a sense of security to victims of crime, and help to reduce the trauma experienced by victims during their involvement with the criminal justice process," he added.

For additional information about National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, crime-victim assistance, or volunteer opportunities, please contact Saskatchewan Victims Services at (306) 787-3500, or visit the Web site at http://www.saskjustice.gov.sk.ca/VictimsServices.

For information about Government of Canada initiatives to meet the particular needs of victims of crime, and to obtain a copy of the Resource Guide for National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, please visit www.victimsweek.gc.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

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