Greenland launches nationwide support service for crime victims

Greenland has opened a nationwide victim support service for witnesses, relatives and people affected by crimes or accidents, DR reports. The initiative is facilitated and supported by Greenland’s police.

Volunteers will provide free and anonymous support from a small office at Nuuk town hall. The service will initially operate every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at +299 80 11 30.

Police assistant and project manager Signe Marie Wiberg said the service had been wanted for many years. Nuuk Mayor Avaaraq S. Olsen said its launch was an important step for Greenlandic society and a demonstration of community.

The service received its first call just seconds after the official opening. Former mayor Asii Chemnitz Narup is among the trained volunteers, and the organisers hope to expand the team and the service over time.

Denmark has 12 local victim support services, one in each police district.