Services Offered

Many victims or witnesses of crime may feel confused, frightened or neglected by the criminal justice system. In response to their needs, victim support workers can offer:

Emotional Support

  • Assist clients in identifying their support system.
  • Provide on-going support, as required by the victim.
  • Share information on common reactions following a traumatic event.
  • Workers provide a listening ear to clients and validate their feelings.

Community Referrals

  • Assist clients in identifying their needs (medical, housing, legal advice, counselling, etc.) and providing referral information regarding appropriate resources in the community.
  • Provide written material on various support agencies in the community and how to access them.

Information

  • Court orientation - Provide a tour of the courthouse and a dvd simulation of a trial to assist victims/witnesses in preparing to give testimony in court. Also provide written material on the court process.
  • Explain police and court procedures to help better understand the criminal justice system and their role within it.
  • Legal information - Information on protection orders - peace bonds, restraining orders, personal injunctions - and the process involved in obtaining an order.
  • Provide police case updates - including information on the status of the investigation, charges, court dates, bail status and release conditions.

Practical Assistance

  • Court accompaniment - provide support and assistance to victims and witnesses required to testify in court.
  • Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) - CVAP is a financial benefits program to assist victims, immediate family members, and witnesses in dealing with the effects of violent crime. We provide applications to clients as well as assistance in completing the forms.
  • Crisis intervention - on-scene support is provided to victims of crime at the request of the investigation police officer.
  • Resource library - a lending library on topics related to victimization is available, free of charge.
  • Transportation - to court, the hospital, or transition homes is offered in unique circumstances.
  • Victim Impact Statements - Under the Victims of Crime Act, victims and witnesses of crime have the right to provide court with a description of how the crime has impacted their life. The statements are used to assist the court during the sentencing process. Information, applications and assistance in completing the forms is available.

Useful Resources

There are many useful resources that are accessible on the internet or by phone. Please click on the links below to find information on the applicable topic. If you would like further information, please contact our office at 778-545-4777.
We would be pleased to assist you in locating appropriate referrals.

  • Addiction Resources
  • Children and Youth
  • Court Information - Legal Services
  • Crime Victim Brochures / Forms
  • Family Law and Family Support
  • Grief and Trauma
  • Publications for Crime Victims
  • Seniors Resources
  • Sexual Assault
  • Youth and Adult Relationship Violence