Volunteer advocates along with organizer extraordinaire Jocelyn Osachuk of the Strathmore RCMP Victims Services Society (SRVSS) were barbequing up a storm of hot dogs in the Safeway Parking lot this past Saturday in hopes of raising both money and especially awareness for their program. This unit serves not only Strathmore but also encompasses all areas to Carseland, Gleichen and Chestermere. In our busy world we often aren’t aware of all the services our community offers so it is the hope of this campaign to let our town know that they are here and just what they are all about.
The barbeque was moved to this past weekend because of weather. Initially it was slated to run April 21 which was part of the week long National”We All Have a Role” Campaign.
SRVSS which is non profit and volunteer run is the go to support system for victims of crime in our area. Program Coordinator Lesley Hering was able to shed some light on just what her office is all about and how it can be of help to someone who finds themselves suffering as the result of being a victim of crime. At the time RCMP respond to a crime scene the victims are offered a card or referral for the support services. Volunteers may also arrive on the scene depending on the severity of the situation, for example if there is a death notification. The officers themselves may have to move on to the next call so SRVSS fills the gap in aiding and supporting the victims in the immediate and ongoing process.
The importance of having this support is that often people don’t realize the impact that the event has on their lives. They may be in shock or think it’s something minor that will pass. As days and weeks go by they may find themselves at odds, perhaps not sleeping well or feeling some disruption in their lives. This can happen not only from violent and serious crimes, but incidents that simply “are the straw that breaks the camel’s back”. Cases can fall through the cracks when people are unaware of the effects from the crime and can live with unnecessary distress.
Another service is helping clients navigate the court system. There can be a lot of fear when one has to be in contact with a perpetrator and having a buddy there who can give moral support as well as being a source of information about how the system works is a huge relief. One does not have to be alone at a time when vulnerability and stress are high.
Acting as liaison to obtain information in regards to one’s particular case, filing victim impact statements or learning about possible financial benefits are another way the service supports clients. SRVSS strives to turn victims into survivors.
Volunteers Margo Lepage and Wendy Walls were on hand at the barbeque to share their experience of being advocates. Lepage has been with the service for four years now and finds great reward in being of service to the organization and people affected. She calls it a great adventure and also enjoys the bonding with the other advocates along the way.
Becoming an advocate requires a sincere commitment since the advocates must go through extensive training of about 100 hours as well as obtaining a national police check through Ottawa which can take anywhere from 6 months to a year. There are monthly meetings, and ongoing training with a yearly conference held in Banff. Time commitment is 48 hours per month and Lepage says there is flexibility within this time frame. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with this group or would like to learn more about Victim Services they can be reached at (403) 934-6552 or www.strathmoreregionalvictimservices.com.
Upcoming events in the near future include the first “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” campaign in Gleichen May 22 with a brave group of men, including Staff Sergeant Glenn Henry of the Chestermere RCMP, donning heels to raise awareness about the impacts of sexual assault. There is still time to join, so any men out there who look good in red heels are welcome to sign up! As well there will be a golf tournament fundraiser at the Strathmore Golf and Country on June 21.
