This week, May 11th to 17th is Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in Canada.
Since crime, violence, and abuse have lasting impacts, Envision Counseling and Support Centre is one of the community resources victims can turn to for support, counselling, and advocacy.
Communications Specialist with Envision Counselling and Support Centre, Raven Daer, shared the importance of awareness about the supports in place for victims and their families, noting this is a time to listen, support, and acknowledge the experiences of those impacted emotionally, physically, or financially.
“It’s about finding those available supports, but also finding their voice and recognizing that what they have experienced is not their fault, and that they do deserve to move forward on their healing journey.”
With offices in Weyburn, Estevan, Carlyle, and Oxbow, Envision is one of the agencies to reach out to for safe, confidential support.
“This includes counselling, advocacy, as well as helping clients navigate their healing journey, which might also include connecting them to alternate community supports that may be beneficial,” said Daer.
She said Victim Services is also accessible through the Weyburn Police Service.
“Just reach out, [...] they’ll be able to guide you through that information, or give our office a call and we’ll always help support or navigate and figure out where the best place to turn is, and what your options are.”
Simply being there for someone who is struggling, she noted, is one of the most important ways to support them.
“Just by learning, listening and showing compassion. That could look like attending local events, supporting community services, but most of all just letting survivors know that they are believed and they are valued within our community.”
Creating awareness of the long-term impacts of violence and crime on individuals and families can encourage those who are healing as well as those who need to build up the courage to reach out for support.
“We want people to know that survivors deserve to be heard and supported," shared Daer. "But this week is also about celebrating resilience and recognizing the many partners in our communities, from police to Victim Services, who walk alongside individuals through some of the most difficult moments in their lives, and they certainly do deserve recognition for that.”
Reach out to Envision for more information on community resources.