Victim Witness Liaison

The Victim Witness Liaison (VWL) program helps victims and witnesses by providing information and support, making referrals to community and government agencies, and liaising with court personnel.

The VWL program handles all cases pertaining to criminal law. Victim Witness Liaisons cannot contact or assist a perpetrator (offender). They only assist with the victims and witnesses and/or those who are assisting victims and witnesses.

Mandate

The Victim Witness Liaison program strives to improve the quality of service to victims and witnesses of crime by using a holistic approach – and by supporting and empowering clients in a non-intrusive manner.

Our Staff

NALSC employs a Manager of Victim Witness Liaison, a VWL Coordinator, and Workers in the East and West to serve the NAN communities. VWL have office locations in Thunder Bay, Timmins and Sioux Lookout.

Objectives

We strive to ensure that all members of the NAN communities are aware of their rights. Victim Witness Liaisons (VWLs) aim to protect individuals from further victimization by assisting victims and witnesses in and outside the courtroom.  VWLs ensure the client’s immediate safety concerns are addressed – such as:

• Finding a safe place
• Determining what resources are in the community
• Making sure children involved are taken care of and safe
• Contacting the local police department

Our Victim Witness Liaisons also ensure that our clients are informed of all relevant facts to their case and that victims are made aware of and supported through restorative justice processes available at NALSC.