I read “Sex assault survivors seek justice” (Feb. 11) and wish to clarify something. While it’s true that the RCMP Victim Services program is not a specialized unit like in some larger jurisdictions, there are many elements of those specialized programs that are offered here.
The Squamish RCMP’s Victim Services program offers the following court support:
• updates provided to victims following the often numerous court appearances of accused (prior to trial);
• bail conditions explained;
• court accompaniment to courthouse for pre-trial interviews with Crown counsel and during trial;
• key victim support person in courtroom during testimony;
• court orientation prior to the start of trial to gain familiarity with the courthouse and its key players.
To say there is no one filling the role of court support in Squamish isn’t the case – in fact, it’s the opposite. I spend whole days with victims in North Vancouver, as well as walking people through the process before it even begins so their expectations can be managed responsibly.
Victims are given quite a lot of support in Squamish, and while we don’t have the bells and whistles of larger programs, I would argue our smaller town’s approach allows for a more personalized approach.
Michelle Foley
Victim Services Coordinator
RCMP Sea to Sky Detachment – Squamish/Government of Canada
