Extra funding support has bolstered the Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services progam, which assists hundreds of people annually. (NanaimoNewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Holmes

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Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services gets financial jolt

Jan 7, 2021 | 4:47 PM

NANAIMO — People supporting victims of crime in Nanaimo are in a more favourable financial position.

Nanaimo RCMP Victim Services program manager Cheryl Zapotichny said an extra $50,000 committed by city councillors in 2020 allowed them to hire a full time case worker. The additional $50,000 from city council nearly doubles their previous funding level for the program, which remained stagnant for many years.

She said the funding boost is “very appreciated” by the organization which helps upwards of 800 people annually, many of whom require extended support beyond a phone call or two.

“We provide crisis intervention, court information and accompaniment. If someone hasn’t been (to court) it can be a daunting experience, so we try to provide them with as much information as possible,” Zapotichny told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Staff and volunteers help clients fill out several types of forms, including applying for financial compensation from the province for losses incurred during a crime.

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Victims are guided through the process of ensuring they find out when offenders serving more than two years in prison will be released.

“If the victim would like to know the movement within the prison system of that person, the parole hearings, the outcomes et cetera, we can help them with that,” Zapotichny said.

Referrals to community resources are also provided, which can include group session environments to help crime victims resume a normal life.

Zapotichny said it’s an honour to help people through a difficult time in their life.”

“We empower people so that they can take those steps forward and rebuild their lives. (It’s) a huge reward to see that.”

She said three full-time staff and seven volunteers work in the Nanaimo RCMP’s Victim Services department.

The Nanaimo program is funded primarily through the provincial Public Safety and Solicitor General ministry, in addition to the City of Nanaimo and RDN.

A surprise cheque of $2,000 recently arrived from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board to further support the program.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes