OUTREACH and VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM 

Victim Assistance

Victim Assistance

We are available Monday-Friday, and for crisis callouts. Call anytime to make an appointment or ask questions; confidentiality is assured. We understand and value your right to privacy and respect. We can be reached toll free at 1-877- 559-8843 or email victimservices@islandswellnesssociety.com

In case of emergency, you can text me at 250-637-1500.

 

The mandate of Victim Services is to provide practical and emotional support to ALL victims of crime. We can liaise with justice personnel, attend court and meetings with you as an advocate, help navigate the justice system, provide referrals, and provide critical incident response and safety planning. We can  work with the community on issues of crime prevention, public awareness and educational programming.

Outreach is a program that coordinates with other agencies on-island to identify and address the service needs of women and their families. We endeavor to deliver culturally relevant public education and raise awareness around violence prevention, the effects of violence on women and children, and provide direct service through supportive listening as well as practical supports.

Transportation, advocacy, accompaniment to appointments, referrals, life skill development, safety planning and taking third party reports are all part of the program coordinator’s role.



 

Program Coordinator

My name is Bonnie Olson and I have been the Coordinator of Victim Services and Outreach programs at IWS since November 2011. I am known to many community members through my former role as owner of Queen B’s Café.

It seemed like a natural progression to move from serving people delicious food for the body, to supporting them in times of crisis and trauma. I have been blessed to live most of my adult life on traditional unceded Haida territory and I am happy to be able to pay forward the help and support given to me over the years.

bonnie



evilpatrickOutreach and Victim Assistance