News Release

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2004

Better support to crime victims

BROCKVILLE/PERTH — The Ontario government is making communities safer by expanding the Victim Crisis and Referral Services (VCARS) program to Lanark County and the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville, Attorney General Michael Bryant announced today.

"Our government is committed to providing victims with the access to information and services that they need," said Bryant. "Victims in Lanark County and Leeds-Grenville will receive greater support through these programs."

VCARS provides immediate help to victims of crime or disaster 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Police officers, with the consent of the victim, contact VCARS volunteers to provide short-term crisis assistance. Victims are then referred to community agencies for longer-term support.

The Lanark County VCARS program will be located in Perth. The second program will be located in Brockville serving the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville. A total of $240,000 is being provided for the two programs.

Last year, highly trained volunteers provided in excess of one million hours to deliver the VCARS program. This expansion will bring the total number of VCARS programs to 40 across Ontario.

"I am pleased that our government is helping these communities to benefit from this worthwhile community response program," said Bryant. "It is important victims receive immediate assistance when they need it the most."

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