VICTIM SERVICES

What makes MADD Canada unique among similar organizations is our assistance to impaired driving victims.  MADD Antigonish offers free, confidential support services to those affected by this terrible crime.

These services include a national toll-free victim support line (1-800-665-6233), a resource library of support materials using various media, and trained Victim Service Volunteers to assist those who need them.  We also hold a National Candlelight Vigil and a Victims’ Weekend every year, and we accompany individuals to court if they request it.

 The We Care! booklet has been designed to assist victims in dealing  with the aftermath of alcohol or drug related crashes.  It is our hope that this package will be of assistance to you in accessing support in your community.  It is a comprehensive tool that offers help in many areas including injury, funerals, the grief process, insurance and helping children cope with death.  It also includes a detailed account of current drinking and driving legislation and the Canadian justice system.

LOCAL VICTIM SERVICE VOLUNTEERS

At a local level MADD Antigonish Chapter also offers one-on-one Victim Support Services.  If impaired driving has affected you or someone you love, we have trained Victim Service Volunteers who can help you through this difficult time.  

In addition to providing emotional support, our Victim Service Volunteers also offer court accompaniment.  The legal system can be overwhelming to someone experiencing grief and our volunteers are trained to help you make sense of what is happening and to be with you each step of the way.   To access our victim services, simply call our office at (902) 968-9027.  We are here to help.  If the office is closed or we are unavailable and you require immediate assistance you can call our National Office at 1-800-665-6233. 

INJURY RESOURCE LISTING

We know that every day in Canada, just under 4 deaths and nearly 192 injuries are caused by impaired driving.  To aid those injured as a result of this crime, MADD Canada has developed an injury resource library.  This is a comprehensive directory of agencies across Canada that will assist victims suffering from brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and physical disabilities.  "Our situation would have been even harder to handle without the support of MADD Canada,” said Carolyn Swinson, whose 25-year-old son Rob was killed by an impaired driver in 1993.  “They provide a unique kind of understanding and support--both emotional and legal--that is unequalled.”

Every year, thousands of Canadians become victims of impaired driving.  At both the national level and the local level, MADD Antigonish and MADD Canada are committed to getting these people the help they need.  As the name of our program suggests, we do care, and we work closely with others who share our goals.