Police-Based Victim Services Position Added in La Loche
An additional Police-based Victim Services position is being created in La Loche to address the immediate need for additional victims services in the community. The Ministry of Justice is providing annual funding of nearly $60,000 plus administrative expenses, to North Sask Victim Services Inc. for this new position.
“I saw the outstanding work victim services employees are doing in La Loche when I visited in late February, and have no doubt this new position will help meet the significant demand for victims services in the area on an ongoing basis,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “We recognize more needs to be done to support La Loche in the aftermath of this incident, and this new position represents an initial step in addressing immediate needs in the community as we continue to explore additional long-term options.”
North Sask Victim Services Inc. has been a constant presence in La Loche since the tragic events in January. There are currently between three and five victim services workers from throughout the north working in La Loche daily in response to the increased demand for victim services, as well as additional staff and volunteers from around the province.
“We are delighted with news of additional funding for a second victim service position in La Loche,” North Sask Victim Services Inc. Executive Director Betsy Kelly said. “This second position is in addition to one already existing position, which we are currently in the process of staffing. These two positions will enable us to better serve and support victims of crime in the La Loche RCMP detachment area.”
Police-based Victim Services employees work closely with police and provide information, support and referrals to victims of crime to help lessen the immediate and long-term effects of victimization. In addition, the compensation limit for counselling available through the Victims Compensation Program was recently increased from $2,000 to $5,000 to provide victims of violence throughout Saskatchewan with additional resources to support their recovery.
Anyone in the La Loche area who requires victims services is encouraged to contact the local North Sask Victim Services Inc. office at 306-822-1888.