Many people may not know much about Foothills Regional Victim Services and that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Tucked away within the High River detachment of the RCMP, Executive Officer Kerri Wilkinson says the goal is to provide support to people when it's needed the most.

"Following up with crisis support we then provide information on court processes and programs they're entitled to and we will make referrals to community agencies if needed. It's all about making sure people have the support they need."

She says among the benefits victims can be entitled to are victim impact statements, updates on court processes if charges are laid, financial benefits and restitution.

Currently Victim Services has eighteen volunteers for the area and they're always looking for more.

Pauline Krause has been a volunteer with Victim Services for twenty years and she says there's a sense of satisfaction from what she does.

"It's actually very rewarding. Some things may not turn out the way you want them but in the long run we feel good about what we do."

She says it's rewarding to help victims to find their voice and get the referrals and support they need at a difficult time in their lives.

Executive Officer Kerri Wilkinson says the main objective is to provide support and act as a voice for the victim.

"We want to make sure that people are aware that victims do have rights and that there are things that they can do. The big thing is that emotional support within that first 24 hours is huge to people being able to move forward after an incident so that they don't get stuck where they are."

For more information on The Foothills Victim Services Unit or to become a volunteer visit www.foothillsvictimservices.com