Assistance centre staff boost &#39c;onfidence;, give advice during court appearances

Crime victims are often traumatized and scared – and that's before they have to stand up in court and testify in a clear and confident manner.

This is where Quebec's network of crime victims assistance centres, commonly referred to as "CAVACs," may help.

Since 2004, Nunavik has had its own centre, called Sapumijiit, managed by the Kativik Regional Government.

Sapumijiit, like other similar victims centres across Quebec, offers a free and confidential assistance program.

Sapumijiit's services are available at no cost to women, men and their families, any time after a crime has been committed.

In Nunavik, Sapumijiit agents follow the travelling court where they meet victims before and after they testify, helping them deal with such issues as family or community pressure, lack of confidence and guilt.

"We tell them not to blame themselves," says Lucy Grey, a Sapumijiit agent who works out of the courthouse in Kuujjuaq.

Sapumijiit agents even sit in the courtroom audience to lend silent support to witnesses. After a judgment, they explain exactly what the decision means for them and the accused.

"We get them ready if they're found not guilty," Grey said.

From February to May last year, Sapumijiit saw 103 clients, who were primarily women and mainly victims of conjugal violence.

This autumn, Sapumijiit agents are as busy as ever – "unfortunately," said Grey.

Grey and Sarah Ekomiak have been a team now for more than a year.

"We do what we can," said Ekomiak who admits the work is draining.

Agnes Fleming of Kuujjuaraapik and Geela Iqaluk of Inujuak, both former court workers, recently joined Sapumijiit.

The presence of these two new Sapumijiit agents on the Hudson Bay will save Grey and Ekomiak weeks of extra travel, although the travelling court refers victims of crime to Sapumijiit ahead of time, so agents are able to speak or meet with them in advance.

Sapumijiit can be reached at: 1-819-964-2086/2053 or, toll-free, at 1-866-778-0770.