Smithers RCMP highlights collaboration during victims and survivors of crime week

Smithers, B.C.

2025-05-12 13:40 PDT

From May 11 to 17, communities across British Columbia are observing the 20th annual National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. This year’s theme, The Power of Collaboration, recognizes the importance of working together to support victims and survivors of crime with coordinated, compassionate services.

In northern B.C., the Smithers RCMP is proud to highlight our close partnership with Northern Society for Domestic Peace (NSDP), a longstanding community organization providing vital, trauma-informed services to individuals and families impacted by violence and trauma.

NSDP operates in Smithers, Houston, and Hazelton, delivering programs such as:

• Stopping the Violence Counselling and Outreach – support for women experiencing violence
• Domestic Peace Program – services for men and couples focused on healthy relationships
• Children’s PEACE Program – support counselling for children and youth affected by serious family conflict and intimate partner violence
• Specialized Victim Assistance – help for victims of domestic or sexual assault
• Sexual Assault Services - enhanced services for survivors of sexual violence
• Youth Forensics – services for youth involved in the justice system

NSDP holds the contract for Police-Based Victim Services (PBVS) in Smithers. Shannon William and Annie Junkin are embedded directly in the Smithers RCMP detachment, ensuring timely, coordinated support for victims of crime. PBVS provides 24/7 crisis intervention, emotional and practical support, updates on investigations, and referrals to additional services.

I love what I do because I promote stability, safety and wellness for our community and Indigenous Peoples, said Shannon William.

Community-Based Victim Services (CBVS) are also offered in more that 60 communities in B.C., including locally through NSDP. CBVS programs focus on victims of intimate partner and sexual violence, providing trauma-informed support, advocacy, and justice system guidance. Sheena Lattie, who leads the CBVS program, ensures survivors are informed, empowered, and supported throughout their journey.

CBVS empowers survivors of domestic violence with choice and a clear path through the court system, said Sheena Lattie.

View larger photo or Shannon William and Sheena Lattie

Both PBVS and CBVS assist survivors with preparing Victim Impact Statements, a powerful component of the justice process that gives survivors the opportunity to express how the crime has affected their lives. These statements can play a crucial role in both legal proceedings and personal healing.

We are really fortunate that our programs work so closely together, said Carol Seychuk, Executive Director of NSDP. This collaboration helps us build strong relationships in the community.

The Smithers RCMP is honoured to work alongside powerful, compassionate women — Shannon, Annie, and Sheena. Their dedication to supporting survivors through Police-Based and Community-Based Victim Services truly makes a difference in our community. It’s a privilege to witness the impact of their work.

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Email: jocelyn.foidart@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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