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Who Can Use This Service

Services are available for adult victims of crime and child victims and witnesses of crime. Services available differ depending upon age.

Adults (16 years of age and over)

Who is eligible for services?

Adult victims of crime, sixteen (16) years of age and over. Priorities for service are victims of violent crimes. Overall the nature of the offense and victim’s response will be the determining factors. In some cases where the victim is incapacitated or has died as a result of the crime, the family would be considered the potential client. Services are available to those who feel they have been victimized regardless of whether a complaint has been made to the police or a charge has been laid. There is no fee for services.

When should I contact Victim Services?

You can call the nearest Victim Services office anytime after a crime has taken place. It is usually best to contact Victim Services as early as possible. You can contact Victim Services yourself or you may be referred.

What services can I expect?

• General information about the criminal justice system to help you understand how it works;
• Updated information on what is happening with your case;
• Pre-court preparation so you can participate more meaningfully in the court process;
• If you wish to complete one, help with preparing a Victim Impact Statement;
• Identifying and referring you to specialized community resources if you need them;
• Providing emotional support and short-term counseling as you deal with your victimization and the court process.

Children (under 16 years of age)

In March, 2005 the Minister of Justice announced the expansion of Victim Services to include services to children who will be testifying in criminal justice proceedings. The program was implemented in October, 2005 for child victims/witnesses. Human and financial resources were allocated to support this program with funding for the expansion provided through a Provincial Victim Fine Surcharge.

Who is eligible for services?

Children, under the age of 16 years, who will be testifying in criminal proceedings. This would include both victims of a crime and witnesses to a crime, regardless of whether they are testifying for the Crown Attorney or Defense Counsel. The child’s family is also eligible for services.

When should a child be referred?

Once a charge has been laid in a criminal matter where there is a child victim or witness the referral can be made. Once it is determined that the child will be required to testify in a criminal matter the referral should be made at the earliest opportunity if not already done so.

Who can make a referral?

In the majority of cases referrals will be made by the police, the Crown Attorney or Child Protection. However, referrals are accepted from other agencies, as well as self referrals, as long as the child referred will be testifying in a criminal court matter.

Is consent of the caregiver(s) necessary for a child to receive services?

Yes. The child’s legal guardian(s) has to provide consent for the child to receive services.

What services will be provided?

• General information on the criminal justice system to help understand how it works;
• Updated information on what is happening with the court matter;
• Pre-court preparation;
• If you wish to complete one, help with preparing a Victim Impact Statement;
• Assessments and referrals for therapeutic counseling for child witnesses and their families if deemed necessary;
• Information for families to help support/prepare children involved with the court process.

Will services be provided to child witnesses testifying in Family Court?

No. Service provision is limited to children testifying in criminal proceedings only.