This year’s National Victims of Crime Awareness Week will be held across Canada, April 19-25. This year’s theme is Shaping The Future Together.
Wildrose M.P. Blake Richardson, in a press release, expressed the belief that many affected by crime want to move forward from their status as victims.
“Today, across Canada, there are many seeking to move on with their lives and take control of their future. While they may be victims of crime tragedy, they do not want victimization to define them.”
He said many people can count on the support of others to help make this transition. Accepting the assistance of family, friends, or kind community members willing to share the benefit of their own experiences can be helpful.
National Victims of Crime Awareness Week has helped raised awareness about this and many other issues, he said.
Richards expressed his appreciation for the volunteers at his annual charity event. “The dedication these volunteers show is a true example for all who seek to build a stronger and fairer justice system.”
He estimates they’ve raised over $370,000 for the RCMP Victims’ Service Units in Airdrie, Banff, Canmore, Cochrane and Olds throughout the past six years.
The Wildrose M.P. remarked that he’s heard consistently from volunteers connected to the victims services cause that those affected by crime deserve a stronger voice in the justice system.
Richards contends that government’s legislation titled the ‘Victims Bill of Rights’ will ensure that victims have clear, enforceable rights to information, protection, participation and restitution.In his mind, this is a major victory for people like the volunteers who consistently put the needs of other ahead of their own.
“I salute their efforts and I look forward to continuing to work with them. When it comes to Shaping the Future Together, nobody does it better than our RCMP Victims’ Services.”
