Greater Victoria Police Victim Services

I’m interested in volunteering but would like to find out more information first.  How can I do this?

Volunteer recruitment occurs once a year and public information sessions are held between March and June during this period; training starts in September. A lot of people have questions and the best way to get them answered is to come to one of our sessions.  Attendance at an information session is not mandatory, however it is highly recommended.

Visit Upcoming Information Sessions for more info.

What kind of organization is GVPVS?

GVPVS is a registered non-profit society with charity tax status governed by a Board of Directors. There are nine employees and 35 – 50 volunteer victim service workers. We work in partnership with the seven police agencies in the Greater Victoria area. We are one of 92 police-based victim services in BC contracted through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. We are the only non-profit integrated police-based service in the province.

How can I find out more information about volunteering with Greater Victoria Police Victim Services?

You can browse this website, read our Strategic Plan or phone us at 250-995-7351.

As a volunteer, what is my primary job?

Our volunteers are recruited primarily to provide victim services and support to clients. Specific responsibilities include:

• Providing emotional support through direct client contact in person or on the telephone
• Referring to appropriate community resources and professional services
• Responding to incoming inquiries
• Providing on-scene crisis intervention at the request of a police officer
• Assisting with Crime Victim Assistance applications and Victim Impact Statement forms
• Arranging for court orientation and accessing information on case updates
• Accompanying clients to court proceedings
• Opening/closing files; file documentation of support and service provided
• Assisting with training and mentoring new volunteers
• Continuing skills development through advance training sessions
• On occasion, volunteers are asked to assist with tasks such as filing, gathering information for client database input, photocopying, etc.

In addition, volunteers may participate in community awareness or fund raising events & activities.

How do victims of crime and trauma find out about Victim Services?

Eighty to ninety percent of our referrals come directly from police officers. Individuals can contact us directly; community agencies can refer to us; and Crown Counsel refers for court support. In order to provide services individuals must consent to accepting the service from any of the named referral sources.

What kind of contact will I be making with clients?

Approximately 85% of client connections are made by telephone contact and 15% from face-to-face contact with clients (through Crown Counsel, office appointments, crisis response with police, and walk-ins). Volunteers must be comfortable using the telephone as a means of communication.

How many hours would I expected to volunteer?

Volunteers must commit to a minimum of one 3-hour office shift per week and 6 hours of ‘On Call’ per month.  Volunteers are also expected to attend all training sessions and most volunteer meetings.

This work could be stressful.  What type of support do you offer volunteers?

Volunteers are the foundation of our service; their safety and well-being is very important. Staff is available to provide support and feedback to volunteers in the office while on-shift, or by e-mail and telephone. Our motto is “safety first” when volunteers go on a crisis call-out – always in pairs. Other support for volunteers includes:

• Regular feedback and support on client files and interactions
• Annual reviews of volunteer performance
• Debriefing for stressful experiences
• Funds are available for professional critical incidence counseling
• Ongoing support during and after attending a crisis call
• Experienced volunteers are paired with new volunteers for support and information
• Regular volunteer meetings for agency or service updates; on occasion, volunteers work in small groups and share challenging cases, successes and coping strategies
• Pre and post training evaluations
• Volunteer recognition occurs formally and informally throughout the year.

I think I would make a good volunteer.  Are there certain qualities or characteristics you’re looking for?

The following qualities and characteristics are what we are looking for in a victim service volunteer:

• Honour training and shift commitments
• Genuine empathy for victims of crime and trauma
• Maturity and good judgment
• Professional conduct
• Effectively work with police and a diverse client population
• Well-developed interpersonal skills
• Effective written and  spoken English language skills (accents are okay)
• Work independently and as a member of a team
• Remain calm and effective  in crisis situations
• No issues with substance misuse
• Accept direction and supervision
• Maintain confidentiality
• Flexibility with your availability
• Withhold personal judgments and opinions with clients
• Respect, honesty and acting with integrity
• Cope resourcefully during slow periods on shift

For more information on qualifications to be a victim service volunteer go to “Volunteer” and “How to Apply” see the link to the Victim Service Volunteer position description.