Coquitlam RCMP patrol cars are sporting purple ribbons on their bumpers in recognition of National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (April 10 to 16).
This year's theme is "Many Voices, Many Paths" and the aim is to highlight the challenges faced daily by victim services personnel and the people they help.
Coquitlam RCMP Supt. Claude Wilcott said that displaying the ribbons on the vehicles is a small way for police to show their support for people who have been victimized.
"There is no such thing as a victimless crime," he said. "Crime affects individuals, their families and friends and entire communities in ways that investigators can't anticipate and aren't equipped to deal with over the long term."
He added that staff and volunteers at the Coquitlam detachment's victim services unit are just as crucial to public safety as front-line officers and investigators.
Activities across the country this week focus on raising awareness of services available to victims of crime in Canada, as well as further exploring new ways to reach out to victims and let them know their experience matters.
For more information on National Victims of Crime Awareness Week go to www.victimsweek.gc.ca.
