Moving forward.

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week, 2012.

The theme for NVCAW 2012 is: “Moving Forward.”  This theme recognizes:

• Victims: Being a victim of crime can be a life-altering experience.  How an individual may choose to move their life forward after being victimized will be unique to the person and the situation.  All victims deserve to be treated with compassion and respect for their dignity as they move forward on their journey toward healing. 

• Government:  Over the past 30 years, Canada has made significant advances in the area of victim of crime issues.  By working with partners in the provinces and territories as well as with victim service providers, the Government has ensured that victims have a more effective voice in the criminal justice and corrections systems.   Building on this momentum will help us move forward and continue to make meaningful change for victims of crime.

• Victim services:  Throughout Canada, there are countless dedicated people who work with victims of crime everyday.  Victim services and the professionals and volunteers who provide them, help victims of crime move forward after a victimization, maintain hope for the future and rebuild their lives

Activities across the country will focus on raising awareness of services available to victims of crime in Canada, as well as further exploring new ways to reach out to victims of crime to let them know their experience matters and that there are organizations like the Central Okanagan Elizabeth Fry Society looking after them.