Victims and Survivors of Crime highlighted this week
TEMAGAMI – Victims and Survivors of Crime Awareness Week is taking place across the district this week.
Victim Services Temiskaming and District have set this year's theme as "Recognizing Courage, Renewing Commitment," and the initiative will run from November 22 to November 28.
The initiative is "a time to raise awareness about the services, programs and laws in place to help victims and their families," said Monique Chartrand, executive director for Victim Services Temiskaming and District in a statement.
Victim Services flags will be flown in honour of victims and survivors this week at the OPP detachments in Kirkland Lake, Englehart, Temiskaming and Temagami.
The Temagami OPP Detachment hosted a flag presentation on Monday, November 23, with Victim Services board chair Dan Dawson, Chartrand, program coordinator Patty Burke and Superintendent Jon Dumond from the North Bay regional OPP headquarters. The Temagami Police Services was represented by board members Gerry Stroud and Debbie Morrow.
Also in attendance was Inspector Joel Breault of the Temiskaming Detachment who stressed the importance of victims of crime "having the services available to get the help they need for themselves and their families."
He also noted that all members of the OPP are appreciative of the great support and assistance provided by Victim Services of Temiskaming and District.
Chartrand added that if additional support is ever needed, people can call Victim Services Temiskaming and District at 705-647-0096 or 705-568-2154.
"We always have a listening ear and we will ensure that the necessary services and supports are in place to assist victims of crime and tragic circumstances across our communities," said Chartrand.
"We are dedicated to see them move forward in their healing journey. When we support each other, incredible things happen."
Victim Services Temiskaming and District says it also has received a grant from the Department of Justice Canada for a park bench that will be dedicated to victims and survivors of crime in Temiskaming, which will be located in the park across from Kal Tire and will be installed in 2021. Another park bench will be dedicated to victims and survivors of crime in Kirkland Lake. That bench will be located at Kinross Park and also installed in 2021.
Proclamations have been sent to municipal officials to formally proclaim the week for victims, survivors and their families.
Victim Services also will have public awareness spotlights on its Facebook page for daily $25 President's Choice gift cards, which will be drawn every day during the week.
They are asking that you like, follow and share the Facebook page.
Jamie Mountain, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Temiskaming Speaker