Criminal cases in Canada, including in West Central Alberta, usually boil down to a battle between Crown prosecutors and the accused and his or her lawyer, with each side arguing the merits of their respective positions before a judge or judge and jury.
And while the system typically works pretty well in dispensing justice, in the past victims of crime were all too often left on the sidelines of those same criminal cases with little or no support.
Thankfully things have changed for the better in recent times, with more and more focus being put on making sure victims get the help and backing they need to get through their trying and difficult situations.
As part of that renewed focus on victim support, the provincial government and other stakeholders have come together this month in a worthwhile new effort that, if it is successful, will end up benefitting not only victims but the community-at-large as well.
The new online training program, the first of its type in Canada, will include increased learning opportunities for victims service volunteers, permit timely revision of materials to reflect legislative and policy changes, introduce standardized training measures, and deliver training quickly and efficiently.
The programs 35 modules will deal with issues such as crisis intervention, court orientation, e-crimes and domestic violence.
Those expected to receive the new training include victim services staff, police liaison offers, criminal justice support personnel such as shelter and sexual assault workers, probation officers, parole officers and sheriffs.
The new program is being supported by $168,000 Department of Justice Canada grant.
Officials hope the program will ensure victims of crimes continue to be treated with dignity and respect, getting the best support service possible as their cases move through the criminal justice system, said Solicitor General Frank Oberle.
“I am pleased that Alberta is at the forefront of ensuring victims receive the public help they need to rebuild their lives,” said Oberle.
While accused persons must and will hopefully continue to receive fair hearings before the courts, victims should not again be allowed to fall through the cracks.
And that is because if victims are made to feel they are not receiving their fair share of support, some may actually end up being less willing or able to testify, throwing off the delicate balance between the accused and the Crown.
The public money being spent on this new program is money well spent, helping give the victims of crime the support they deserve and, in turn, making the justice system work as it should for everyone’s benefit.
