May 30, 2017 - Victim support agencies, community safety organizations, victims and survivors and their families and friends will come together to show their support during the 4th Annual Walk in Support of Victims and Survivors of Crime. The walk is being held in support of National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, which aims to raise awareness about the issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services and laws in place to help victims, survivors and their families. It is also about acknowledging the dedicated work of service providers who assist victims and survivors of crime and their families. Victims and Survivors of Crime Week will take place from May 28 to June 3, 2017. The theme for the Week is "Empowering Resilience".

"Being a victim of a crime can be a very difficult and stressful experience," said Deborah Dika, Executive Director of Sexual Abuse Centre Thunder Bay. "While most people feel that they are resilient and find ways to cope and adjust on their own, there can be a wide range of effects to a traumatic experience. We want to let victims know they are not alone; they have support and people in the community they can turn to."

"As a community, we must come together to demonstrate our support for victims and survivors, and all those impacted by crime in Thunder Bay," said Lee-Ann Chevrette, Coordinator of the Thunder Bay Crime Prevention Council. "Together we can empower victims to stand up for their right to live in safety, remove barriers to reporting, access the appropriate support services, and seek justice in the justice system - should they decide to go this route."

The walk will begin at 6 pm on May 30, at City Hall and will end at Minnesota Park with a reception and refreshments. The event is coordinated and supported by the Crime Prevention Council, Thunder Bay Police Service, Evergreen a United Neighbourhood, Sexual Abuse Centre Thunder Bay, VCARS, Thunder Bay Counselling, Ontario Native Women's Association and Thunder Bay & District Crime Stoppers.

For more information about the walk visit: www.facebook.com/CrimePreventionThunderBay

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Contact: Lee-Ann Chevrette, Coordinator Crime Prevention Council, 625-2554, lchevrette@thunderbay.ca