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| The BVVSA
provides the following services: |
| i)
crisis response BVVSA provides 24 hour, 7
day per week, on-call assistance to victims
requiring immediate trauma intervention,
emotional support and practical assistance.
Volunteer advocates are paged by RCMP members and
other community agencies including the Mineral
Springs Hospital, the Canmore Hospital,
Kananaskis Conservation Officers, Banff Park
Wardens, a local women's shelter and emergency
medical personnel. When responding to a crisis
call, advocates work in teams of two.
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| ii)
general assistance Advocates provide
non-judgmental support and practical assistance
including formalized court preparation sessions
for crown witnesses, the accompaniment of victims
to court, the transportation of victims as
required, information on bail hearigs, and
assistance with the completion of victim impact
statements, restitution claims and applications
for financial benefits.
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| iii)
referral Advocates
are trained in appropriate community resources
for victims who require additional or
complimentary services, including the referral of
victims of crime and trauma to mental health
professionals.
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| iv)
information Advocates inform victims
of their rights when dealing with the criminal
justice system, keeping these individuals abreast
of developments with criminal investigations and
all court proceedings.
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| v)
public education The BVVSA promotes crime
prevention awareness through the provision of
preventive information to victims of crime,
conducting community presentations and
educational seminars, and acting as a resource
for other community agencies who may come into
contact with victims.
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| vi) critical
incident stress debriefings The BVVSA coordinates and
facilitates Critical Incident Stress Debriefings
in the Bow Valley in conjunction with Calgary Health Region Mental Health Services
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