A comforting refuge for victims and survivors of crime is now open in Winnipeg.

Candace House, named after Candace Derksen who was murdered in 1984, officially opened its doors on Monday at a location just a block away from the Law Courts building.

Candace's mother Wilma, came up with the vision for this facility after spending years in the court system.

"There is something about the Law Courts building, in and of itself that is almost traumatizing for victims," said Derksen. "You need a space to lay down and relax and have the people around you that are totally victim focused, rather than offender focused."

She says the death of a child, as traumatic as that is, was somehow something that could be managed to some degree. However, she says as soon as those cases hit the criminal justice system, families started to deteriorate in a very alarming way.

Derksen says they took measures to protect themselves while dealing with the court system including staying in a trailer that her sister had provided.

"We in some ways experimented what it was like to have a Candace House," said Derksen. "To some degree I believe that foreknowledge helped us deal with the criminal justice system in a much healthier way."

Candace House, which is located on Kennedy Street will not only offer programs for victims, but a place for victims to be themselves.

"There is going to be a place where they can debrief, where they can process safely, where they can have their emotions understood, where they can vent their anger and erupt in their volcanic tears and learn about what it's all about," said Derksen.

Candace House is set up to have a home like atmosphere with a living room, kitchen and an area for children to play. There will also be an area where victims can meet with their lawyers and victim services.

More than half of the funding for Candace House came from private donors, with the province providing $55,000 this year to support the services it provides.

"For families who have lost a loved one, having to navigate the criminal justice system can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting," said Justice Minister Cliff Cullen. "For them, Candace House will be a refuge, a safe space to access resources and find compassionate support."

Access to Candace House will be based on referrals through collateral organizations and agencies, with priority given to families who have lost a loved one. It will also provide support services to victims and survivors of violent crime.

An open house has been planned for the public today from 3 p.m. -7 p.m. at 183 Kennedy Street.