Winnipeg mother calls for improvements in victim services after son attacked with machete

When Meghan Smart hears her teenage son laughing with his friends, it’s a small reminder of life before the attack. She calls that laughter “the happiest part” for her.

Smart’s 15-year-old son was attacked with a machete in August, leaving him with serious injuries – from head to foot – from which he’s still recovering today. The teen is working in physiotherapy on getting sensation back in his hands and walking again.

“He’s definitely able to get some mobility back in his hands,” said Smart.

The boy was in surgery for 15 hours after the attack, with Smart calling those hours difficult and emotional.

As many victim service programs across the country continue to struggle to meet the needs of families impacted by crime, Smart is calling for improvements to be made, so families can have the support they need while navigating the healing process.

“Yes, my son is the main victim, but our entire family was affected by it,” said Smart.

The single mother of four says she’s still seeing major gaps in support since August, including medical and travel expenses, and wage coverage for caregivers.

“Yes, they’ve done some for us,” she said. “But there a lot more that if they look into it, into the support for families that they could be providing, that they should be providing.”

Smart says the family was already just staying afloat before the attack, meaning now they’re struggling to keep up with expenses without help. That’s why she’s taken matters into her own hands.

“My biggest thing for my family was our GoFundMe page,” she said.

Gaps in care for families impacted by crime aren’t just in Manitoba; families all over Canada have disparities in different jurisdictions.

Earlier this month, Alberta’s victim services model was overhauled in hopes it would improve consistency in rural communities. But advocates say the changes have only led to more families unable to get the support they need.

“Maybe talk to the families and victims themselves and ask,” Smart said. “Find out where these gaps are. Because I’m sure people are voicing that they’re disappointed.

“Communicate with these victims. Sometimes that’s all we need to hear, is that they’re listening and they understand and there’s something that they can do.”