The Ministry of Attorney General provides a wide range of victim services, for victims as well as the friends and families of victims of crime. For more information call the Victim information line at 1-800-563-0808. They can help you if:
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You're not sure whether you are the victim of a crime
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You want to find out about services available to you in your community
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You have any questions or concerns
The Victim information line is a free service. It is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (An answering machine is available for messages after hours).
What can victims of Crime do?
If you are a victim, Under the Victims of Crime Act you have the right to receive information on:
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Victim assistance
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Compensation for criminal injury
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How the criminal justice system works
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The status of the police investigation and the court case
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The administration of the offender's sentence
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Your rights to privacy
Victim Services in your Community
The Coquitlam RCMP Community Resources/ Victim Assistance Program has been providing support and information services to the communities of Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Anmore and Belcarra since 1980.
A dedicated and highly trained group of staff and volunteers are available to victims 24 hours/ 7 days a week. Services include:
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24 hour/7 days a week police-based crisis intervention services
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Support to victims/witnesses of crime and other trauma (available in several different languages)
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Support to youth and families in crisis
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Community education
Support Services
Services provided to victims/witnesses of crime and trauma include:
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Police-based crisis intervention
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Information on the status of the police investigation and the progress of the case through the court system
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Emotional support
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Court orientation and escort if the victim/ witness is required to testify
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Crime prevention information
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Referrals to other agencies for counseling, financial support, legal or financial assistance, housing, etc.
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Assistance in completing Criminal Injury Compensation applications
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Assistance in completing Victim Impact Statements
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention services are provided to individuals and families who have been the victim/witness to a crime or other traumatic event such as a serious motor vehicle accident, sudden death or suicide, or acute family problems.
Personal Disaster Assistance is provided to individuals and families who have been the victim of situations such as floods and house fires. This service is provided in conjunction with the Canadian Red Cross and the Provincial Emergency Program.
Youth and Family Support
Emotional and practical support is provided to youth and families experiencing difficulties. Problems may include running away, sexual exploitation of youth/ children, parent-teen conflict, drug and alcohol use/abuse, or early criminal activity such as shoplifting.
Families will be assisted in clarifying their concerns, prioritizing their needs. Also referrals to agencies in the community that are able to provide appropriate ongoing support will be made available to families.
Community Education
The Coquitlam/ Port Coquitlam RCMP Victim Services Program offers educational programs on a variety of topics including:
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you interested in being a volunteer? To be a volunteers with Program you must:
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Be at least 19 years of age
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Possess a valid BC Driver's License
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Be able to obtain and maintain a RCMP Enhanced Security Clearance
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Possess excellent written and spoken skills
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Have demonstrated abilities in working with people
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Have a positive outlook on life
Due to the complex nature of Victim Services, all volunteers must:
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Successfully complete the Program's Basic Core Training Program
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Attend a monthly meeting
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Work a minimum of five hours per week for at least one year
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Work one Friday or Saturday night shift once a month
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Attend advanced training sessions as offered
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Be a positive member of a team of workers committed to providing a professional support service to victims of crime and trauma.
Donations
The Coquitlam RCMP Community Resources/ Victim Assistance Program gratefully acknowledges all of the individuals, businesses, and service groups whose generous donations assist the Program in providing services to our clients. To make a donation, please contact the Coquitlam Victim Services Coordinator at 604-945-1585.