Mnjikaning Police are offering victims of violence a safe and welcoming environment in which to tell their stories.

Authorities in this community east of Orillia are hoping residents affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse take comfort in a recently unveiled interview room at the Williams Road police station.

A year in the making, the room is named Mno-Giigdowin, or “Safe Talking Place.”

Tastefully decorated, private and inviting, it was designed to help individuals overcome the sense of reluctance that frequently prevents victims of crime from reporting their experiences.

“We are hoping this is going to change a lot of that,” Sgt. Doug Noganosh told a local audience during a recent presentation.

Outfitted with comfortable furniture, soft lighting and a soothing colour palette, the room is a marked departure from the sterile environment of the station’s former interview room – the latter located along a block-walled hallway within a short distance of the prisoner’s cells.

 The new space “is wonderful,” said Pat Hehn, of North Simcoe Victim Crisis Services, a non-profit agency based out of Orillia.

A television, DVD player, toys and books are on hand for children.

“If you give victims a (welcoming) place to go, they will come,” said Sgt. Shelley Tarnowski, of OPP Crime Prevention.

Abuse too often goes unreported because victims feel intimidated by the prospect of having to recount their horrific experiences to a police officer, she added.

“Many communities fail to recognize the need for a facility like this,” she said.

The introduction of a similarly styled interview room in the Orangeville area saw the number of reported sexual assaults rise by 38 per cent, Tarnowski said.

“We are no longer at a point where we can bury our heads in the sand or turn a blind eye to what is happening under our nose,” she added.

Mnjikaning Police Chief Dave Whitlow noted that individuals found guilty of crimes in his community are often given an opportunity to atone for their actions through a “community healing” program that offers support to both the victim and perpetrator.