Sometimes the whole world can seem overwhelming when victims of crime see offenders walk around freely; sometimes they are sentenced to three square meals a day, chances for rehabilitation, skills training and a good bed to sleep in. What lies in its wake are victims, who struggle to pick up pieces of shattered lives, with no one to turn to for support and most likely no secure place to call it a night. It's unfortunate, that in every community in the North similar scenarios play out every day. In every story there are victims who are further victimized in the application of justice.

This year marks the fifth Annual National Victims of Crime Awareness Week in Canada from April 18 to 24. On the Government of Canada's dedicated website it says: "victims of crime have a role in Canada's justice system and there are laws, policies and programs which give them an opportunity to participate and have their voices heard at different stages in the criminal justice process." It goes on to recognize the dedication of professionals and volunteers alike who work tirelessly and selflessly with victims of crime and their families and who show, in their daily actions, that every victim truly does matter.

People who are front-line workers in social work get to see the full negatives of life, but are driven by hope to make a difference, to give support to victims to find their voices. Having the credentials to offer hope in what can be viewed as hopelessness by victims can be a tall order.

When the Canadian Association of Social Workers reached its arm into Northern Canada, they touched the shoulders of Dawn McInnes, to award her with its National Social Work Month Distinguished Service Award. Anyone who has ever met Dawn would agree she deserves the award, well earned and gracefully accepted.

With her initial parental support, educational background and work experience in many fields over the years, she has helped to develop support services for victims with program development unique to Northern communities.

One of Dawn's unique abilities is to learn from people she meets, especially in her usage of aboriginal languages in conversation with people. This is talent acquired to help put victims at ease who have many things to share that can only be voiced in the language lived.

Even the offenders, who leave victims in their wake, are most likely victims of earlier nightmares, who never had the opportunity to meet social workers in their own time, that could have made a difference. It is a vicious cycle. Whole communities can be inspired by individuals like Dawn, who among many front-line workers, make differences in the lives of victims.

• John B. Zoe is the acting executive director with Tlicho government and former land claims negotiator. He holds an honorary doctorate of law.