BC survivors of Las Vegas mass shooting offered emotional support
It’s difficult to imagine the emotional trauma felt by those who survived the mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday, let alone the families of those who were killed.
But those returning to British Columbia are being offered help and support if they need it.
At least 59 people died and more than 489 people were injured when a gunman opened fire on a crowd attending the Route 91 Music Festival.
The suspect, named by local police as Stephen Craig Paddock, 64, allegedly fired from his hotel room on the 32nd floor, before shooting himself.
Three Albertans and one British Columbian were among those killed, while other Canadians were seriously injured in the brutal attack.
Now the Vancouver Police have issued a message on Twitter, urging anyone who feels they need support to reach out to them or provincial services.
If you need support, pls reach out. VPD Victim Services: https://t.co/jMi0kr8VFT or Victim Link BC: https://t.co/Pspmdafw7a #VPD #LasVegas pic.twitter.com/2TS5PuYAMM
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) October 4, 2017
The VPD is pointing anyone who feels they need support to contact the VPD Victim Services, or VictimLinkBC.
Here is what both services can offer you, and how to contact them:
VPD Victim Services
VPD Victim Services aims to help crime victims, witnesses and their family with professional support, to lessen the impact of crime and trauma.
The services will offer emotional support, and if you need counselling, can refer you to an appropriate counselling service and other support groups.
VPD Victim Services also offer support in the form of Lucca, a trained trauma support dog, who can help you express the distress you feel and get the comfort you need.
To contact VPD Victim Services, call 604-717-2737, or email [email protected].
VictimLinkBC
VictimLinkBC offers a free, confidential, multilingual telephone service across BC and Yukon, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Trained service workers can connect you to community, social, health, justice and government resources, including victim services and counselling resources.
To contact VictimLinkBC, call 1-800-563-0808 anytime.
- If you are in crisis and need immediate help, call the Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of BC Crisis Line, open 24 hours a day, at (604) 872-3311.
Friends and relatives of Canadian citizens known to be in Las Vegas can also contact Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling 613-996-8885 or 1-800-387-3124, or by sending an email to [email protected].
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