However, requests for assistance may also come from agencies or members of the public who have been victims of or witnesses to a crime. The major purpose of Victim Services is to lessen the trauma associated with being the victim of a crime or trauma, and to try to prevent revictimization. Empowerment of the individual through emotional support, information, practical assistance and appropriate referrals is the cornerstone of the program's effectiveness. As much as possible clients are encouraged to excercise choice as they proceed through the legal system and to determine the source and degree of assistance they wish to receive. Clients Clients include both primary and secondary victims, witnesses, households, businesses and the general public when affected by a major accident.
All potential clients have the right to refuse victim services at any time.
Services to the client are terminated once the sentencing and appeals are concluded but may resume at any time that the file is reactivated, ie. for a parole hearing, etc. Provision of Brochures or writtern documentation of how to access the agency or resource. Follow up to see if the client followed through and how effective the referral was. File Updates including charges, court dates, bail conditions, etc. Police Information such as common police procedures and practices.