The journey to healing after a loved one falls victim to crime can be a challenging one. Heather Jones-Parkes, a resident of Vaughan, is on a mission to advocate for better support systems for individuals like herself who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a tragic loss.
Reflecting on the night of June 2, 2024, when her husband, Delroy “George” Parkes, was fatally shot outside a high school in North Etobicoke, Jones-Parkes shared how their lives were forever altered by that fateful moment. The incident stemmed from a senseless gang rivalry that resulted in her husband becoming an innocent casualty.
Despite receiving initial counseling support from Victim Services Ontario, Jones-Parkes and her family continue to grapple with the profound impact of their loss even two years later. Feeling that the existing services are insufficient, she has joined forces with other crime victims to push for enhanced assistance for those affected by such traumatic events.
Recently, Jones-Parkes and fellow advocates had the opportunity to voice their concerns to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow and are scheduled to meet with an Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to further advocate for increased support for crime victims. Their primary goal is to emphasize the crucial need for mental health resources to help individuals cope with the emotional aftermath of crime.
While the Ministry of Children Community and Social Services has allocated over $62 million to aid victims and survivors of crime, with a significant portion dedicated to the Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (VCAO) program, Jones-Parkes believes that more comprehensive measures are necessary to adequately address the mental health needs of victims like herself.
Continuing her lobbying efforts, Jones-Parkes remains resolute in her quest for additional support, recognizing the importance of professional assistance in navigating the complex emotions and unanswered questions that accompany such tragedies.
