By Sheldon Spackman

Community Support

Victim Services supports residents shaken by fatal shooting

Dec 30, 2019 | 8:38 AM

It’s been one week since the tragic death of a Red Deer man who was fatally shot in the city’s south end.

For anyone shaken by the tragedy, those at Red Deer City Victim Services Unit are reminding residents they’re here to help.

Cst. Nicole Quick is program manager with the unit and says their assistance is typically requested by police.

“We are a police-based victim services, so we are housed in the Red Deer City Downtown RCMP Detachment,” says Quick. “Typically, what we do is we are kind of the middle man, offering referrals and supports to people because we know of all of the resources and we’re able to direct people. We aren’t counsellors, but we are able to put people into contact with whatever they need to have.”

Quick says they are able to help not only victims of crime, but also those needing emotional support or guidance in finding the right resources.

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“We may touch base with them quite soon after an incident, and then we will also follow up a few weeks after and the services and supports that we may refer to during that time will differ,” she explains.

“Often times, at the very beginning, people are still processing it and we touch on a few things like preparing for funerals and notifying other family members. Then maybe the phone call one to two weeks after might be a little bit more in-depth on services that they need now, maybe needing some more supports on how that grieving process is going to look and what the next steps are.”

Quick admits last week’s fatal shooting has had a significant impact on their unit and the entire community.

“Most of our program is run by volunteers and hands-down, our volunteers are amazing,” she explains. “So as soon as they had heard about what was happening, they were calling-in and we did call-in a few individuals to help support the individuals that were giving statements to the police. Then we supported the families and the victims, as well as helping alleviate the police where their resources are needed, we were able to direct people when they were able to get their vehicles.”

Quick says about 60 people have received their assistance following the shooting.

“Individuals who witnessed what happened, individuals who had family there and didn’t know what was happening to them for quite some time and dealing with the stress of that,” she notes.

“There are many layers to victimization and one of the great things is we are able and prepared to assist them in any way we can. Because often times the direct victims get most of the attention and the support given the circumstances, but we’re also able to provide support to people down the road or down the line that aren’t directly involved but still affected.”

During this busy holiday season, Quick says it’s important for people to be patient with both themselves and others.

“Allow the natural process of grieving being angry, being sad,” says Quick. “Knowing that once the hustle and bustle of Christmas is over, that in the coming weeks if they’re having difficulties, to 100 per cent reach out to us or reach out to any other agency in Red Deer because they aren’t alone and should not have to deal with the traumatic event on their own.”