By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver’s victim services program is so overwhelmed that a committee has recommended that the Town apply for more funding for additional hours to help people impacted by crime.
At Tuesday’s meeting of the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, the Town’s corporate officer (Diane Vaykovich) noted the 18 funded hours do not address the overwhelming need for service.
She said the program has seen a marked increase in files associated to both workers and families of inmates at the Okanagan Correctional Centre. These files include employee assaults by inmates and family members needing support due to past violence.
Both Oliver and Osoyoos programs are served by the same victim services worker, who has been highly commended for her dedication.
Oliver RCMP Sgt. Blaine Gervais said victim services are so important because it provides compassion and clarity to people affected by crime. One of the key elements is making the victim feel like they have a voice, Gervais said.
He confirmed that their support worker is overwhelmed with cases. Actually, she has too many clients, the commander pointed out. That’s why he strongly recommends an increase in the victim services budget to hire additional support workers.
The committee recommended supporting an additional 17 hours of staff time at an estimated cost of $25,000.
Currently, an allocation of $41,736 from the provincial government provides 18 hours a week for victim services.
