THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Counselling Centre are celebrating the anniversary of the Victims’ Bill of Rights by declaring the week of June 14th-18th Child and Youth Victims Awareness Week in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The Victims’ Bill of Rights was officially proclaimed law on June 11th, 1996. The bill supports and recognizes the needs and rights of victims of crime in both the criminal and civil justice systems.
In order to honour children and youth who have been victimized and to provide public education and awareness, Thunder Bay Counselling Centre will host a variety of events throughout the week.
Executive Director Nancy Chamberlain shares, “Thunder Bay Counselling Centre believes that all child and youth victims should be treated with fairness, dignity and respect regardless of their age. Child victims depend on adults to protect them, to listen to their stories, and to provide caring support. At Thunder Bay Counselling Centre, we provide unique and specialized victim services to support individuals and families in our community.”
Thunder Bay Counselling Centre’s Child Victim Witness Program, in particular, provides support to children under the age of 18 years who are called to testify in Court as a result of being a victim or witness of a crime. Program Coordinator Tara Gauld says; “The program provides sensitive, informed and effective assistance to help lessen the trauma of communicating evidence in court. We assess children’s needs, ensure they understand court processes, provide support for parents, and attend court with our child and youth clients.”
Chamberlain adds “The crime rate continues to grow in Thunder Bay with offenses being committed in the streets, in our homes and even in our schools against victims of all ages. Child and Youth Victims Awareness Week reminds us how important it is to ensure that responsive services and resources are available to all child and youth victims and their families in Thunder Bay.”
In addition to the Child Victim Witness Program, Thunder Bay Counselling Centre offers a variety of child and adult victim programs and services including Voices, Pregnancy & Health, workshops and traditional counselling solutions.