The follow statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable John Hogan, KC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:

Speaker, being a victim of a crime can be life altering, and the provincial Victim Services Program is here to help.

Whether it is safety planning, providing case updates, court preparation, completing victim impact statements, or offering counselling referrals, the compassionate staff of Victim Services helps to ensure victims of crime have access to a variety of services to meet their individual needs.

Speaker, as a government, we recognize the importance of the trauma-informed approach Victim Services provides to residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Last year, more than 3,500 individuals were offered these services.

That is why, Speaker, through Budget 2024, our government is providing an additional three full-time positions for Victim Services so we can enhance our ability to continue offering services that benefit individuals impacted by criminal activity. This provides people with continued access to services that assist them in the aftermath of experiencing crime, and in navigating the justice system.

Speaker, the work done by Victim Services is often difficult, and it is personal. However, I can assure you it is making a difference in the lives of the individuals they serve.

I encourage all victims of crime to reach out for help, and to visit gov.nl.ca/victimservices for more information.

Thank you.