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Low crime rate results in slashed victim services funding

The Stettler area's lower crime rates, especially in the form of serious crimes, has impacted Heartland Victim Services' (HVS)...
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Heartland Victim Services Unit

The Stettler area's lower crime rates, especially in the form of serious crimes, has impacted Heartland Victim Services' (HVS) operating budget for 2017.

Pat Hamilton, executive director, said HVS will see a "painful 15 per cent cut" to its operating budget for next year, even though the case files the organization handles keeps rising.

HVS provides free assistance to victims of crime and tragedy, giving comfort and direction to services as well as help navigating Canada's legal system as a victim.

While the Solicitor General provides funding to the organization, the funding is based on serious crimes. Minor crimes, collisions in which no charges are laid, sudden deaths, fires and other traumas receive no funding. Despite the lack of funding, these are the situations that HVS handles most frequently.

"We are funded through the victims of crime fund," Hamilton said. The fund is fed by victim surcharges in criminal cases as well as selling the proceeds of crime after investigations are complete.

"There are millions unspent every year (in the fund)," Hamilton noted. "But we're forced to fundraise a certain percentage to receive our grants."

She said HVS is forced to fundraise even though those funds aren't doled out, and even as the caseload backs up further

and further.

"We're spending our time fundraising instead of helping clients," she said.

The RCMP Regimental Ball, which raises money for HVS, happens once every five years and is next scheduled for 2019. Besides the small fundraisers here and there, HVS does not solicit donations.

"We feel that with the economy the way it is, local businesses are being hit enough. We don't want to come begging," said Hamilton.

To help compensate for the 15 per cent cut next year, HVS is hosting Oktoberfest on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Stettler Community Hall. For a $50 ticket, fest-goers receive a German-themed meal, can partake in the beer tasting, enjoy the bar and music, and socialize.

"We're anticipating about 200," Hamilton said. "But we'd like to get 300."

Ticket sales have been slow though, prompting Hamilton to reach out to the community again. Tickets can be purchased at Wells Furniture on Main Street, or from the Stettler RCMP Detachment from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"The sooner the better, since we need to let our caterers know," Hamilton said.

HVS is managed by a volunteer board of directors, and is staffed primarily with volunteers who are trained to assist others during moments of crisis. The organization is housed at the Stettler RCMP detachment, but operates separately from the police.

Heartland Victim Services can be reached by phoning 403-742-3382. The number will connect the caller with the Stettler RCMP; ask for Victims Services.