Victim Services - Halifax Regional Police

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Leading and partnering
in our community
to serve and protect.

Contact us by calling 490-5300

About the Unit

Victim Services is a police-based support unit providing services to victims of crime, with a focus on victims of domestic violence. The Unit is comprised of civilian employees and volunteers who work with police members.

Once officers have responded to a crime and ensured the physical safety of all involved, Victim Services may be called to assist with non-policing issues, such as emotional support and referral information. Sometimes we may be asked to stay with a victim while officers gather information or take a statement. The Unit's role is to work collaboratively with police officers to assist victims of crime.

Research shows that intervention during a crisis period is a good predictor of change. This is a primary principle behind the Early Intervention component of the Victim Services Unit.

Who uses Victim Services?

Any person who has been the victim of a crime may use the services of the Victim Services Unit. Services are both proactive and reactive when contacting victims of crime. The Unit screens police reports on a daily basis, accepts referrals from police officers and responds to victim inquiries.

Why focus on domestic violence?

Part of the reason behind the development of the Victim Services Unit was the introduction of legislation in 1996 from the Department of Justice in Nova Scotia, which has become known as the pro-arrest, pro-charge policy regarding domestic violence.

This policy states that in the investiation of domestic violence, police officers must lay charges where there is reasonable evidence that an offence took place. It was also recommended by the Department of Justice that policing agencies provide assistance to the victims of domestic violence through the provision of victim services or victim assistance programs. Halifax Regional Police promptly began the development of such a program with the assistance of an advisory board comprised of a community representative and police members.

Programs

Victim Services - The Unit screens and reviews all intimate partner/spousal calls to police. We provide police case information, emotional support, Domestic Violence Emergency Response System alarm installations, safety planning and referrals to victims. This service is delivered through telephone contact, drop-in visits, at a scene and home visits. Counsellors also provide short-term follow-up to victims.

On-Scene Response - The Unit provides crisis intervention and support to victims at a scene. Trained volunteers are on-call for evenings, nights and weekends. Staff attend scenes during weekdays at the request of officers.

High Risk for Lethality - The Unit provides case coordination with primary service providers, safety planning, Domestic Violence Emergency Response System alarm installations and information to victims identified as being at High Risk for Lethality. This is delivered by the Domestic Violence Case Coordinators, one which is shared with the RCMP.

Services Offered

Activities focus on the provision of follow-up information and referral services.

Services include:

Providing case information, such as the status of investigation, charges, how to contact the investigating officer
offering emotional support or services as needed
providing information or referral to existing community services that may be required by the victim

Reaching out:

Victim Services staff identify victims by reading police reports. They screen in reports that meet certain criteria, or if staff feel a victim can benefit from some type of service
police officers can refer victims to the program
the victim can initiate contact
community agencies may alert victims to our services

On-scene support:

the early intervention component of the program provides on-scene response to domestic violence incidents
on-scene response is generally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Staffing

The program is staffed by a civilian coordinator, civilian outreach worker, two domestic violence case coordinators and volunteers.

Like victims of crime, staff and volunteers come from all walks of life, bringing with them a variety of interests, life experiences and expertise. Their time, commitment and energy is essential to the provision of service to victims of crime, and intimate partner/spousal abuse in particular.

Staff and volunteers are provided opportunities to participate in training activities relevant to the criminal justice system, policing and the social service community. We strive to ensure the provision of highly trained and skilled volunteers to work with police officers and victims of crime.

To contact a member of the Victim Services unit please call 490-5300.

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