A20 - Sunday, December 9, 1984 - North Shore News OF NV CRIME: offer SIX MONTHS _ after the start of the North Vancouver RCMP Vic- tim Assistance Program (VAP), coordinator Cst. Elizabeth Hood says she is contident the program is moving in the right direction. By JOANNE MacDONALD “It's serving as a bridge between the investigating of- ficers and the victims, pro- viding information and sup- port to the victims. But it’s still growing,’’ says Hood “Pm really happy with the way it's helped prepare peo- ple for court. It’s not so in- timidating anymore. | try to let people know what to ex- pect in the courtroom, what questions might be asked, and then be there for sup- port and for any questions they might have.”’ VAP officially began Operations on June 1&, with Hood’s initial chores con- sisting of sending out follow-up letters to victims of non-violent crimes. In its second phase, the program expanded to provide services tO victims of such violent crimes as robbery and assault. These services range anywhere from court Preparation to referrals to social service agenuies. Now in its ‘fine-tuning stage.’’ Hood savs over 400 letters have been sent to vir tims since the program began, with 146 people per sonally contacted Although Hood's Suttave through complaints hatdled by other ROMP she stresses she as more thar Several ot LASSEN tre th bets withing oto deal wath ANON MOUs Callers “Thev dont hase te file a pole feport betore ena ting ome Phe service bene fovp atv toads re Ce referrals than actiualls deal mp Walbro atses becuase born yar a ooeutisedboer ays Hood Ser evcte rt a pete romaot Sate NONB Oa tie dy \ ath dbwans role ‘Pre tan tee ae amen y tbat ts Touts asd. Nere bor farnitres cet ca. tatiee of Crtttie Nee cre Ta oh Nos anes Veta bate i \ \ hoy Nedped te qatltl.oi. VAP \ a GC) > L0 prc Microwave Ovens COST LESS AT COLONY INCREDIBLE SELECTION NCE "guy WITH ( ONE IE COLONY HOME FURNTSELING ES Warehouse/Showroor OPEN TO THE Putt (2 Dike Dehind the Avaions at 107% Roosevelt Cras N vir 23, 985-8738 12 4 Sun ~ ren Les “s a - CST. ELIZABETH Hood — helping the victims of crime. of November, all members attending certain) situations are required to. distribute cards outlining the services provided by VAP and the contact telephone number, 985.131) “For tnstance, at oa member's at a domestic call, whatever they tell a person at the time might go in one ear and out the other because af's) such an emo- But af they feave the card, at could act as a teminder later on and that person just might call here looking for help or informa- tron.” savs Hood tional situation She says her most recent vases have involved teenage yitls victims oof sexual assault “dts oa tittle more work, because thea tay dealing with othe ovaictin and the Ssheatetie ss, ¢ Corirtiers. Preaaty, pater ty Cop pocottiatity { eape With ovat witness at the same time | tell them what it’s lke to be a witness, explain the di ference between telling the truth and a he, and ! also explain the tunctions of the judge and the Crown Counsel,’ she says, adding she trys to ensure the girls “‘sit through’’ a similar case Program working to aid to victims before thetr own comes to COUFl “Pye noticed a couple ot the court reporters have helped to put some witnesses al ease before their testimo- ny, so that while they're testifying they can either look at the court reporter, the Crown or even the judge — they're triendly faces. That way they can keep their eyes away from the accus- ed.”’ VAP also provides intor- mation about criminal injury compensation. Although Hood acknowledges, ‘‘lt’s not common tor sexual assaull cases tO receive COM- pensauion,’” she cites) one sexual assault) victim who was awarded $4000 under the Criminal pensation Act. The compensation tunds are public and re ad- ministered by the Workers’ Compensation Board. Ac- cording to Hood, some tu. ds are also available for tamthes of deceased persons involved in criminal attack “*} think morale has gone up for vicums since VAP started The feecback I've received has been really pos- itive,’’ says Hood. ‘*People are saying, ‘It's about time, people started helping trms." "" Injuries Com- Vic- CENTURION SAFES PN TL IRaCOon, SAE pect te Thies pvc reget ee ot bape ak ded tect Sara ee EE Meaty rites. abe ec baters, caf cglvts ad Tbe bar ce tianee Protect your vatluaatoles INTRODUCING OUR NEW MODEL 22s»: Introducing ... Meat & spinach canelloni or lasagne — includes garlic bread $650 4 We deliver on Sundays from 1pm 985-0636 ‘Free cookies! Gel deliciously tree chocolate chip CooKes with every pizza yOu order of a lifetime. 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