May 14-20 is Victims and Survivors of Crime Week

Victims and Survivors of Crime Week runs May 14-20, and this year is once again being observed by the Central Alberta Victim & Witness Support Society (CAVWSS).

This year’s main goal, she says, is to raise awareness about issues facing victims of crime, as well as about the services, assistance and laws in place to support victims and their families.

“Victim Services units advocate for victims’ rights through the criminal justice process, as outlined in the Canadian Victim Bill of Rights; the right to information, the right to protection, the right to participate and the right to seek restitution,” explains Shawna Wyatt, executive director, CAVWSS.

“In 2022, CAVWSS opened 420 new files, assisted 565 new clients and closed 848 ongoing files for the Blackfalds RCMP jurisdiction. These numbers will increase significantly in 2023, as CAVWSS now services the Sylvan Lake RCMP jurisdiction as well.”