A service group for victims in Chatham-Kent has been serving a growing number of residents who have been a victim of a crime or sexual and domestic assault.
On Monday, a flag-raising was held at the Civic Centre in Chatham to mark Victims and Survivors of Crime Week.
Jason Brown, who is the volunteer and community engagement coordinator for Chatham-Kent Victim Services, said the group hopes the flag-raising will help raise awareness of the available services in the community for anyone who has been a victim of a crime or those who have been impacted by tragedy, trauma or a disaster.
Many local victims have received help from more than 50 volunteer crisis responders.
"We support 1,400 individuals in the community every year and that number continues to grow," he said.
That number grows by 100 to 200 people every year in Chatham-Kent, according to Brown.
"Some of the crimes that occur are hidden or people don't think it doesn't happen here," he said. "When I think of that, I think of human trafficking. Our numbers have gone up over 150 per cent for human trafficking ever since the pandemic."
By raising awareness, through efforts like a flag-raising and Victim and Survivors Week, Brown said it allows the public to know that support and a variety of services are available.
The main service Chatham-Kent Victim Services offers is immediate emotional support and crisis intervention, which is done on an emergency basis.
"We also facilitate community debriefs after a traumatic incident with any organization or group in the community that would like support," he said.
You can find more information about the available services and programs offered through the Chatham-Kent Victim Services website. You can also contact them by calling 519-463-6630.
