Sask Central Victim Services Board

A couple of weeks ago I became a Director on the Sask Central Victim Services Board. I'll be the first to admit I have some learning to do on this important subject. To accomplish this I am looking forward to sitting down and discussing victim services with the Crisis Centre's Executive Director Michelle.

"Sask Central Victim Services Board is committed to providing support, information and referral to assist in rebuilding the lives of those affected by crime and traumatic events. We believe that Victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect, in a confidential environment, that supports the victim through all stages of the criminal justice process. We are here to listen, assist in rebuilding wellness and to empower the victim to advocate for themselves.

Representatives of the SCVS service area that have worked together with the Ministry of Justice and RCMP Detachments to establish an organization that will provide Victim Services to our geographical areas."

I am looking forward to continuing the work of others. The Board of Directors includes:

Collette Lessmeister, Chair, Board of Directors, Humboldt Eugene Motruk, Vice-Chair, Chair Finance & Audit, Biggar Jeannie Coe, Board Secretary, Saskatoon

Mike McLeod, Member at Large, Martensville

Ivan Gabrysh, Member at Large, Warman

Sylvia Maljan, Member at Large, Unity

S/Sgt Tony Shumilak, RCMP Central District Advisory, Saskatoon

S/Sgt Kevin Weber, RCMP Warman Detachment, Warman

    S/Sgt Rob Eyre, RCMP Saskatoon Rural Detachment, Saskatoon; and

Sheri Watkins, the Coordinator based in Martensville.

The area served by Sask Central Victim Services Board includes:

• Biggar
• Corman Park
• Craik 
• Dalmeny
• Humboldt
• Kindersley
• Luseland
• Martensville
• Outlook
• Rosetown
• Saskatoon Rural
• Unity/Wilkie
• Vanscoy
• Warman
• Watrous

What Does Victim Services Do?

Victim Services Programs help victims involved in the criminal justice system in Saskatchewan by providing programs and services. The legislative basis for the program is The Victims of Crime A ct, 1995.

Victims Services follows Saskatchewan’s Declaration of Principles Respect-

ing the Treatment of Victims of Crime, which outlines how victims should be treat- ed by people working within the justice system.

Who is a victim?

A victim is any person who has suf- fered harm including physical injury, economic loss or emotional suffering as a result of a crime or traumatic event.

Victim Impact Statement

Program

A Victim Impact Statement is your opportunity to tell the court how a crime has affected you. If someone is found guilty of a crime, the

judge will read the Victim Impact Statement when deciding on the sentence. Your local police service can provide you with a Victim Im- pact Statement form. Your nearest Victims Services Program is avail- able to answer questions and assist you in completing the form.

Victims Compensation and

Restitution Victims Compensation

...can pay you for reasonable expenses result- ing from a violent crime, such as counselling and lost wages. Restitution is payment by the offender for actual loss or damage resulting from a crime. Restitution must be ordered by the court when the offender is sentenced. In both cases, applications must be made and are available at your local police service.

Can I talk to Victims Services even if I don’t want to report the incident to the police?

Yes. Victims Services will assist you whenever possible.

Contact SCVS:

Sheri Watkins, Coordinator

T: 306-361-9111 F: 306-975-1612 sheri.watkins@rcmp-grc.gc.ca