THUNDER BAY AND AREA VICTIM SERVICES AND MATAWA FIRST NATIONS MANAGEMENT ANNOUNCE COMMENCEMENT OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING/ANTI-VIOLENCE SUPPORT SERVICES DURING VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS OF CRIME WEEK 2018
THUNDER BAY, ON: Susan L. Tilson, Thunder Bay and Area Victim Services (TBAVS) Executive Director and David Paul Achneepineskum, Matawa First Nations Management (MFNM) CEO today announced the commencement of human trafficking/anti-violence support services during Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.
Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, commemorated nationally from May 27 – June 2, 2018, is an annual outreach initiative of Justice Canada. Its goal is to raise awareness about the issues facing victims and survivors of crime and the services and laws in place to help them and their families. It is also about acknowledging the dedicated work of service providers who assist victims and survivors of crime and their families. This year, the theme is ‘Transforming the Culture Together.’
The way that TBAVS and MFNM will work together is through a Service Agreement to establish a Human Trafficking/Anti-Violence Support Worker (HTAVSW) who will be responsible for outreach, engagement and supporting the health, social and emotional needs of Matawa First Nation members, families and all victims and residents of Thunder Bay and area who are victims, or at risk of being a victim, of crime and tragedy – including human trafficking cases, sexual violence and harassment.
The position, housed at MFNM, will be in place until March 2020. It will be overseen by both TBAVS and the MFNM Health Cooperative. This initiative represents the first service agreement between TBAVS and MFNM and fills a gap that has been long identified by both parties.