Sturgeon Victim Services looking for advocates
by Stephen Dafoe
Morinville – A local group is looking for a helping hand to offer victims of crime or crisis a helping hand through times of trouble. Sturgeon Victim Services, a volunteer-run organization that operates year round and 24 hours a day in connection with the RCMP, are often called upon to immediately work with victims when an incident occurs or within a day or two, depending on the assessed need.
In addition to offering 24-hour crisis response support, SVS Program Coordinator Donna McPherson said the organization deals with post trauma support, bereavement support, court accompaniment, and providing basic information on general RCMP procedures and referrals to other agencies, including the food bank and other social agencies. It is not uncommon for advocates to stay in contact with victim for as long as two years, particularly when assisting victims through the court process. … […]