By Sheldon Spackman

Challenging Times

Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society sees big jump in case files during pandemic

Jan 14, 2021 | 3:12 PM

Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society (CAVWSS) has been tasked with a significant and steady increase in case files over the past year.

According to officials, financial uncertainties in relation to government funding, along with fundraising and operational barriers created by the COVID-19 pandemic, are key factors in their current circumstances.

The organization says statistics show that in the fiscal year ending Aug. 31, 2020, the society opened 882 new case files and served over 1,226 clients, with the team responding to an average of 70 service requests per month.

This does not include, however, previous ongoing case files that require continued services, such as court accompaniment, updates and support.

Fund Development Coordinator Amber Casey says the past 12 months have been a challenge.

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“We had a significant increase in caseloads which was unfortunate which kept us very busy,” says Casey. “Also the challenge of COVID-19 of course with face-to-face events and fundraising which was definitely one of our major challenges. We had to cancel our galas, community information sessions, charity checkstops, that kind of thing which is kind of our main source of funding other than the government funding.”

Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society aims to support victims and witnesses of crime and tragedy and help individuals and families bridge the gap from hurt to hope through a professional and compassionate provision of direct support, information, referral and education.

The society is a non-profit organization and relies heavily on funding and direct support from donors and sponsorships.

It provides services for cases such as homicide, sudden death, assaults, family/relationship violence, robbery, fraud, thefts, break & enter, vandalism, serious motor vehicle collisions, fire/multi casualty disasters and industrial/school accidents.

Although hard to pinpoint exact reasons for the significant rise in caseloads during the past year, Casey identifies a few areas of note.

“The stats show an increase in domestic violence, family violence files were kind of one of our main increases,” adds Casey. “The other thing is rural crime. A lot of break and enter and that sort of thing has definitely been increasing over the last year.”

Casey also points to a wide geographic area that’s supported by CAVWSS as another factor to consider.

“Ranging from Blackfalds, Clive, Springbrook, Gull Lake, Red Deer and Lacombe County,” she explains. “But the stress load from COVID-19 possibly and people being home could possibly have contributed to that, although I can’t say for sure.”

Casey, however, suggests the rising trend of caseloads truly highlights the need for their services throughout central Alberta, further noting efforts on their part to try virtual fundraising during the pandemic.

She says they hope they can host some of their traditional events in-person as well over the coming year, such as their gala, community information fairs, charity checkstops and golf tournaments.

“We’ve got a positive outlook for 2021. We want victims to know that they are not alone and I encourage people to visit our website to learn more about the services we offer.”

To learn more, visit www.victimsupport.ca.