About the Service Victim Services Section

Victim Services Pamphlets

For more information, please read the following pamphlets:

Winnipeg Police
Victim Service Unit

WE WILL HELP YOU

204-986-6350

Victim Services was established in 1982 to provide crime victims with information about their case at any stage of the investigation, and to assist them in dealing with problems they have encountered as a result of the crime. More latterly, the emphasis has extended to include help to persons closely affected by sudden, tragic events.

The emotional reactions experienced by victims become a crisis when existing defenses and problem-solving techniques are not adequate, and the victim feels helpless and unable to cope.

Victim Services seeks to provide a complementary function to the regular police service by focusing and directing its resources to the needs of victims.

In addition to receiving calls directly from victims and agencies, Victim Services initiates contacts with victims following information received from officers or police bulletins.

The areas where Victim Services provide help most frequently are:

offering emotional support when enquiring about the impact of the incident by telephoning, personally visiting, or writing to a victim.
providing police case information... whether under active investigation, property recovered, arrests made, etc.
furnishing information about court proceedings and court outcomes.
giving information and explanations about the criminal justice system.
notifying victims of the release of accused persons when non-communication provisions apply.
providing crime prevention information (verbal or brochures.)
referring or providing information about existing community services that may be needed by the victim, such as the Age & Opportunity Centre, Klinic, Osborne House, Women's Advocacy Program, and Criminal Injuries Compensation.
making presentations to members of the public and professional agencies

Whilst endeavoring to further meet the needs of victims of crime and tragedy, Victim Services intends to become the focal point within the Winnipeg Police Service for such victims. Granted, Victim Services cannot solve all victims' concerns, but we can assist with the taking of crucial steps towards resolutions of a victim's problem.