This week Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) is highlighting its services to victims and survivors of crime.

2019 marks the 14th annual Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. A news release from the Department of Justice says, "The goal of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is to raise awareness nationwide about the issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services, programs, and laws in place to help them and their families. The theme for this year’s Victims and Survivors of Crime Week is 'The Power of Collaboration.'" 

Volunteers comprise the majority of the Victim and Community support units at WPS headquarters. The WPS posted earlier this month that community service volunteers had contributed 7,200 Hours last year. Volunteers, like Sharon Foley who has served for seven years, make up this team who helps those that have been affected by crime.

Foley says, "We assist the staff and police members with administrative duties. We make sure that the public is aware of resources and appropriate outside organizations.

"In addition, the Victim Services Unit provides emotional support, help to understand the criminal justice system, referrals to appropriate agencies, as well as home and hospital visits.

"You have to be a people person," says Foley. "You have to be able to talk to people. It can be hundreds of people that we deal within a day." 

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness said in a media release, “Victims and Survivors of Crime Week reminds us that victims and their families should receive the information and the services that they are entitled to, but also respectful acknowledgment of what they have gone through. The Government of Canada is working to ensure that victims of crime, survivors, and their families, are treated with courtesy, compassion...”

Foley says, "It makes my day when you can help them out and know that you have done something special for them. It can be the smallest thing. When you can help someone, when they walk through the door and their confused or upset, you point them in the right direction, and they give you a smile - that is the greatest thing."