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Representing the organization, Melody Littell provided an in-depth overview of the services they offer to victims of crime and tragedy across eastern Alberta, including the Cold Lake area, and fielded questions from council members about eligibility, coverage, and how community members can access support.
“As part of our work with Victim Services, in partnership with the RCMP, we strive to support all individuals recognizing the importance of equity, healing and justice for all. So, our mission and vision are all about supporting individuals who have been victimized or have experienced a significant tragedy,” said Littell.
The Eastern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society provides general victim support services and helps clients navigate the criminal justice system. Littell explained their approach to trauma-informed care and how they work closely with the RCMP and other community agencies.
“We believe in providing support, resources and information in the aftermath . . . the best way to help our clients,” Littell told council.
“By helping them regain control and empowering them or helping them navigate the criminal justice system . . . it restores their sense of stability and peace.”
She emphasized that “everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity by treating people with empathy and compassion and safeguarding their personal information.”
The society’s service area mirrors the Eastern Alberta RCMP District, covering 24 detachments and excluding only Wood Buffalo, Fort Chipewyan, and Lloydminster.
Their central administrative office is in St. Paul, and most services are delivered locally through court support navigators and trained volunteer advocates who attend crisis events.
“Our court support navigators are located in your local detachments and are there to provide the day-to-day service to the clients and the community and we have volunteer advocates in some of our communities that respond to callouts.”
“These are people who attend crisis events and provide emotional support and resources in that moment,” she explained.
Mayor Craig Copeland asked whether people affected by a loved one’s substance abuse can seek help through Eastern Alberta Victim Services.
“They can reach out – anyone can reach out,” responded Littell. “They can reach out to us, and we will get them to the agency that can best support them with that.”
Coun. Ryan Bailey asked how quickly someone can expect a response after a referral. Littell explained, “If it comes in before 4:30 p.m. on a business day, chances are it would be turned around that day. If not, it would be the next business day.”
The delegation also outlined how staff members support victims through the court process by helping them understand the justice system, including the Canadian Victim Bill of Rights and the Victims of Crime Protocol.
“When eligible, we provide information on victim impact statements, statement of restitution, and community impact statements to help victims understand how to make their voices heard in the system,” Littell said. Support also includes court accompaniment, emotional support, and coordination with Crown prosecutors.
The society uses a two-tiered after-hours crisis system, where Tier One navigators receive all RCMP-forwarded calls and determine whether to respond or dispatch a Tier Two advocate.
Support includes court accompaniment, emotional support, and coordination with Crown prosecutors.
“This can include canvassing for testimonial aids when necessary to ensure the victims feel they can fully participate in the court process. We offer emotional support and court debriefing after the proceedings to help the victim process their experience and ensure they have the supports they need,” Litttell added.
Eastern Alberta Victim Services offers after-hours crisis response, with the contact number provided to all RCMP members in their service area. They also have tier two volunteers available to respond in person across different regions.
Littell adds, Eastern Alberta Victim Services won’t respond to unsafe situations involving drugs, alcohol, or ongoing threats. However, they encourage anyone unsure where to turn for help to call or walk in, and staff will guide them to the right resources.
Agencies wishing to refer clients can contact the organization at info@EARVSS.ca to receive the required consent form. Once completed, it is assigned to a navigator for follow-up.
Council expressed appreciation for the comprehensive update and accepted it as information.
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