Draft VIP Speech

No one expects to experience violence in their community.  But we’ve all seen and heard accounts of the devastating aftermath of acts of crime.  Regrettably, many have experienced it personally.

(Insert local stats or stories to support this)

The truth is almost all of us here today have had first hand experience of supporting someone who has been victimized by crime.  We witness the impact that crime has on the individual, their family members, friends and even entire communities.  There are long-lasting physical and emotional consequences.

We all share a commitment to help victims of crime however we can.  Whether it is providing referrals to programs and services or even the simple act of listening, we want to do whatever we can to support them. 

Across Canada this week, we commemorate National Victims of Crime Awareness Week.  It provides us with an important opportunity to remind ourselves, and more importantly all Canadians, about the issues facing victims of crime as well as the services that exist to help them.

The theme this year is Supporting, Connecting, Evolving.  It recognizes the existing supports and services available to victims of crime and the importance of strengthening connections within the community to better meet the needs of victims and their loved ones.

It also highlights the progress made over the years to enhance and expand services to victims of crime while at the same time, it recognizes the need to do more to meet the needs of victims.  For example in 2007 the Government of Canada injected $52 million in new funding, over four years, for programs, services and funding for victims of crime.  That same year the Government of Canada created the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime. The Office promotes access to existing government programs and services and gives victims a strong and effective voice in the justice system.

Canada has come a long way in so many areas.  But there is so much more that we can and must do. 

We need to reach out to ensure the services we provide are accessible to every member of our community.  We need to ensure that no one, at any time, faces a gap in service no matter where they are in the criminal justice process. 

As one victim has said “we need to think outside the box”.

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week provides us all with an opportunity to sit back and take stock of the past, reflect on the present and think about the future.  By working together as a community to help victims of crime heal their wounds and resume their full participate in society, we all stand to benefit.