Police Based Victim Services
Police Based Victim Services accepts self-referrals. Contact us during office hours to speak directly to a victim support worker or leave a message during non-office hours.
Office Hours
Monday to Friday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Who We Are
The Police Based Victim Services (VS) Program is run in conjunction with the Sooke RCMP Detachment. Our staff respond to callouts from RCMP and hospitals to provide initial critical incident defusing, incident stabilization, and to liaise between victims and emergency personnel.
If victim services are provided in a timely manner, they play a critical role in reducing the harmful effects of victimization and revictimization by:
Enhancing victim safety and helping to reduce the risk of further victimization
Increasing a victims' level of participation in the criminal justice system
Preparing victims and acting as witnesses for court proceedings
Lessening the impact of crime and trauma on victims and their families and assisting them in their recovery
What We Do
Victim Services (VS) can assist you by
Providing emotional support.
Proactively arranging services for victims of crime and trauma.
Providing ongoing information and support to family members and key witnesses about the status of the file, in consultation with the RCMP detachment members.
Acting as a central communication contact between victims, and the RCMP.
Coordinating, and being present, if requested, at meetings between victims and RCMP investigators.
Providing court updates, orientation and support to victims and their families as required.
Utilizing trauma informed practices in the provision of service to victims and their families.
Providing information about appropriate referrals and services.
Assessing the need for additional intervention and/or tracking on complex and sensitive cases as required.
Applying appropriate legislation, policy and guidelines on release of information while working under the direction of the detachment commander and program policies.
Victim Services staff also provide criminal justice information and support, safety planning, information and referrals, and emotional and practical support.
Resources to help you further understand your rights and how a crime and victim is legally defined.
Canadian Bill of Victim Rights (to learn more about how the court process operates).
BC Victims of Crime Act (to learn more about your right to information, protection, participation, and restitution).
Police Based Victim Services is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and the District of Sooke.