Rudy 2006-05

Score one for the Victims Seniors Choice Newsmagazine May 2006 - By Rudy Loeser - The idea for this piece began when I had finished watching a TV report on the killing of female babies on the Indian subcontinent; a perfect example of innocent victims. Of course, the daily papers show that we do not have to leave our own country, or even our own cities, to find innocent victims of crime. We also suffer from murder, robbery and drunk driving. We have arson and drug trafficking. We read about domestic violence, rape, child abuse, elder abuse, betrayal and pedophilia. A great deal of our energy is spent on prosecuting the criminals, but what of the victims? Fortunately, victim assistance is becoming more available throughout central BC for those who need support and help recovering as the victims of these crimes. Meet the Regional District of Central Okanagan Victim Services Program. Meet the four staff members and 19 volunteers operating under the umbrella of the Kelowna detachment of the RCMP, under the competent management of Ms. Cary Berger, who has been directing the activities of this lifeline program for victims for over 15 years. Ms. Berger, who has a degree in Criminology from the University of Manitoba, explained that her staff and volunteers constitute a 24/7 help resource for victims of any crime. The victims may have been identified and conveyed by police or have been directed to the program by a doctor, a lawyer, or a concerned neighbour, or they might have come forward on their own. Whenever this contact happens, Ms. Berger's people get in touch, visit and provide help, advice and counsel to the victim. Supported jointly by the Central Okanagan District, the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, as well as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Kelowna detachment, the group also provides outreach services to seniors organizations, and the Seniors Contact program. Ms. Berger herself speaks to groups throughout the Interior of B.C. on such topics as Violence in Relationships, Identity Theft and Sudden Death, and on the topic of her group's services in general. This writer has seen her in action, eloquent and passionate about her mission, an impressive advocate for victims of any crime and misdemeanor. Some time ago, I spoke with RCMP Superintendent Sam McLeod, who assured me that the Central Okanagan Victim Services Program compared very favourably with any program he had encountered anywhere. Similar sentiments were expressed by South East Kelowna detachment's Superintendent Don Harrison who took over the command from McLeod. By all accounts, it appears that whatever the crime may have been, the victims are certain to have the support and help of the Victim Services Program. If you need to call for help, or more information, the number for the Central Okanagan is (250) 470-6242. (For other parts of the readership area, please call your local RCMP number for the Program 's office). You'll be in good, caring, hands.

 

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