2017
Department of Justice and Public Safety

Renee Byrne, a registered social worker, has worked with Victim Services since 1994 in a variety of roles including delivering direct, frontline services to individuals experiencing one of the most vulnerable and difficult times of their lives.

Every day Renee leads by example and demonstrates service delivery excellence in her current role as Program Supervisor. She is known for displaying a strong work ethic and creating a respectful work environment. She is hands on and no task is too big or too small when it comes to ensuring victims receive the highest standard of service and care.

Renee was instrumental in the creation and implementation of the Victim Liaison Officer Program that allows victims to request information about offenders. This can help reduce anxiety of victims and enable them to take action to enhance their safety.

In her work with the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis & Prevention Centre, Renee has presented to more than 200 of the organization's volunteers over the past four years. This training has been crucial in helping the centre and its volunteers make appropriate referrals to trusted resources.

Working with victims of violence is challenging and complex and staff of Victim Services hear extremely sensitive and traumatic experiences daily. Renee recognizes that self-care is essential to remaining emotionally and physically healthy so that staff can provide optimal service and care to clients. She continually assesses the need for services and supports for staff and mentors them to effectively balance work-life priorities.

Perhaps the following quote from one of Renee's former clients summarizes her best: "She works so quietly, and so humbly. She's truly a wonderful professional and makes an incredible difference in the lives of victims every day."