southwest crisis services

National Victims of Crime Awareness Week draws attention to some of the services we have for victims of crime in the region.

Southwest Crisis Services offers support to women living in abusive relationships.

"We've got a number of different programs that can support people that have had those experiences," said Southwest Crisis Services Executive Director Teresa Cole. "Certainly our crises line which is a 24 hour telephone line that anyone in the southwest can access is sometimes a good starting point for people to call for support and also referral to other agencies that maybe able to help them out."

The Crisis Line is (306) 778-3833 or 1-800-567-3334.

Interview with Teresa Cole"For women and their children who are leaving abusive situations we have  safe shelter," Cole added. "A short term residential program where they can stay in a safe, secure, comfortable environment for four to six weeks as they decide how to move forward with their lives."

They offer a tour of their shelter so that anyone considering staying there could get an idea of what they are dealing with before making their decision.

It's designed for mothers and their children, although Cole noted sometimes they need to find other arrangements for older male children.

Southwest Crises Services also offers an outreach program for men, women and children.

"People in the community who might not want to come to a shelter but may want to meet with someone on on one to get some education and support," Cole said. "Depending on what they've experienced we'd be happy to try to accommodate them through those programs as well."

They are funded 80% by the Ministry of Justice, but also put on fundraisers throughout the year for programs not covered by government money.

You can get more information on Southwest Crises Services by heading to www.swcrisis.ca