Last week, the province recognized the Rainy River District Victim Services in Fort Frances for their achievements in service to crime victims.
This award is given by the Attorney General and recognizes the dedication and creativity of professionals and volunteers who serve victims, and the courageous efforts of individuals who have been personally impacted by crime and are now working to raise the profile of victims’ issues in Ontario, including in Indigenous, northern, and rural communities.
The Fort Frances victim service branch is one out of 15 recipients of awards that were given to nine individuals and six organizations.
Peggy Loyie, program manager, said the award is to recognize their excellent volunteers and the way in which they provide services to victims of crime and tragic circumstance within the district.
“We provide service throughout the entire District, from Atikokan to Rainy River and all the little communities in between, inclusive of nine First Nations,” Loyie said. “The award is for basically recognizing outstanding service to your community and your District in how you do that.”
Recipients of this award had to go through a nomination process. Victim Services in Fort Frances was nominated by Patricia Armstrong from the probation and parole office in Fort Frances.
Loyie said although Armstrong works at the probation office and often works with people who may perpetuate violence or victimization on others, it is important that both organizations work together.
“Patricia informed us that she wanted to nominate us,” Loyie said. “She did the nomination and then we received notification that we were being awarded this award of distinction for the way in which we do our work.”
Victim services provides practical supports at a time of victimization or tragic circumstance that does not have a criminal element, such as a fire, motor vehicle accident, a sudden death or injury. Victim Services provides individuals practical support when a person is in need of them or when referrals are obtained from the police.
Support is also provided in cases of domestic violence. For example, they increase the safety element by putting better locks on doors for people and transporting victims to safe places.
“We work very closely with both OPP and Treaty 3 police,” Loyie said. “We work closely with the hospital and other communities. That’s the other piece; we can’t do this without those partnerships that we have with community organizations and agencies and resources. We have access to funds that will allow us to assist.”
There are about 15 volunteers who work with Victim Services in the District and Loyie said the biggest challenge is making sure the volunteers are taken care of.
“Some of the things that we deal with can be very stressful emotionally and mentally challenging,” Loyie said. “We need to look after those people who are putting themselves out there. They’re dealing with families and people who are in so much grief.”
Another challenge that is unique to northwestern Ontario is the lack of transportation when they need to get a victim from one place to another – and that is especially relevant during COVID, Loyie said.
However, Loyie said through working with agencies and partners, they are able to solve problems and work to identify challenges.
“We get really creative about how we provide supports to victims of crime or tragic circumstances and we’re so fortunate to have the support of the board that we have,” Loyie said. “Our volunteers are really a truly dedicated group of individuals. And we have everybody from people who are still employed to retired teachers.”
Attorney General Doug Downey said in a statement that the government is committed to protecting and supporting victims of crime and fostering the growth of safer communities. He added that recipients of the Victim Services Awards of Distinction have made a lasting impact that leaves a growing legacy in service to victims of crime across Ontario.
“In the face of unprecedented challenges, these dedicated professionals, generous volunteers and outstanding organizations have demonstrated an irrepressible drive to raise awareness of victims’ issues, increase access to crisis intervention services and provide compassionate support in times of need,” Downey said. “We will continue to work with and support community partners in every region to stand up for victims of crime and their families.”
