Kim Gramlich, longtime victim services coordinator for the Delta Police Department (DPD), was honoured over the weekend with the first-ever Ministry of Justice Service to Victims Award.
Gramlich was recognized for her work introducing the first K9 intervention unit in Canada to support victims of trauma. Through her advocacy, Gramlich was also part of a successful bid this year to allow accredited courthouse dogs to be used in the courtroom as support for victims of crime.
In his first case, DPD Trauma K9 Caber assisted a vulnerable witness – a child sexual assault victim – to testify at trial. Caber has been working Gramlich as part of Delta Police Victim Services since 2010.
The Service to Victims Award recognizes an individual (paid or volunteer), community group and others who have provided exemplary leadership in providing services and supports to victims. The award was established to honour the networks of individuals and organization s across British Columbia that work directly with victims and support women and children whose lives have been affected by violence.
Gramlich, with Trauma K9 Caber, was presented with the award at this year’s B.C. Crime Prevention Symposium held in Burnaby by Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton.