Victim Safety Project

Victim Services of Middlesex County in cooperation with Strathroy-Caradoc Police Service received a grant to conduct a Victim Safety Project.  The project will focus on developing best practice policies and guidelines for notifying and providing services to victims of high-risk and dangerous offenders as they reenter the community upon completion of a prison sentence. 

Dangerous Offenders are those who have committed a serious personal injury offence. Serious personal injury offenses involve the use or attempted use of violence, conduct that endangers the life, safety and psychological well-being of another person, or is likely to do so, as well as sexual assault, sexual assault with a weapon and aggravated sexual assault. High-risk offenders are those who are known to offend and are considered are at great risk of offending again and again.  Offenders who receive three convictions for a designated violent or sexual crime that is subject to a federal sentence of at least two years may be eligible for a Dangerous Offender designation.

Victims of crime may experience a number of trauma symptoms as a result of what has happened.  Common trauma symptoms include fear, depression, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, numbness and distancing themselves from others. Trauma reactions may re-occur as a victim proceeds through the justice process including reporting to police, identifying an offender, testifying in court and when an offender is released from custody. 

Victim Services of Middlesex County conducted focus groups, surveys, and interviews with crime victims, police, Crown Attorneys, Probation and Parole officers to develop best practice policies and guidelines for supporting victims of crime when high-risk and dangerous offenders are released into the community.

To view excerpts from the Victim Safety Guide Video, click on the link provided (high speed internet connection required for viewing)

www.vsMiddlesex.VictimsSafetyGuide.com

Information resources including a video and brochures are available for purchase. Contact (519) 245-6660 ext 225 for more information.