News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Justice and Public Safety Minister Hugh J. Flemming in recognition of the 15th annual National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, November 22 to 28:

Protecting families and communities from violence and crime is important and we are working to address the underlying reasons for crime and victimization.

Just as important is supporting those people who have been victims of crime.

National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week raises awareness about the issues faced by victims and survivors of crime and about the services, assistance and laws in place to help them and their families. In New Brunswick, the Department of Justice and Public Safety, Victim Services Program provides support to victims as they are involved with the criminal justice system.

Our Victim Services Co-ordinators work closely within the criminal justice system and in the community, taking a victim-centred approach and ensuring a continuum of services.

This year’s theme is Celebrating Courage, Renewing Commitment. It recognizes there is a continued need within the criminal justice system and victim services field for increased cross-sector collaboration, as well as enhanced co-ordination, partnerships, and multi-disciplinary responses in order to better support victims.

Every year a symposium is hosted by Justice Canada, that gives provincial partners and national organizations an opportunity to exchange best practices and raise awareness about the important role victims and survivors of crime have in the criminal justice system.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, this year’s events were moved online.

Anyone looking for information about victims’ services programs available in New Brunswick can visit the Victim Services page.