Giving a Voice to Victims

Who We Are

Created in 2007, the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) is an independent federal government office that works to help victims of crime and their families.

What We Do

The OFOVC responds directly to calls, emails and letters from victims of crime, and works to ensure the federal government meets its responsibilities to victims. We:

• inform victims about the federal programs and services that exist to help them
• address complaints made by victims about federal government departments, agencies, employees, laws or policies
• refer victims to programs and services in their city or province that may be able to assist them
• identify issues that have a negative impact on victims and make recommendations to the federal government on how it can enhance its policies and laws to meet their needs
• educate federal law and policy-makers about the needs and concerns of victims
• promote the principles set out in the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime with decision and policy-makers

Every Victim Counts

If you have been, or have worked with, a victim of crime and have questions or a complaint about a federal law, policy or service, please contact us.

The experiences you share with us will help us better understand the issues facing victims in Canada. Based on this information, we can make recommendations to the federal government on how it can change its policies or laws to better address the needs and concerns of victims.

How We Help Victims

If you are a victim of crime, the OFOVC can:

• answer your questions about your rights as a victim
• give you information about the services and programs available to you through the federal government
• receive and review your complaints about other federal government departments, agencies, employees, laws or policies
• refer you to programs and services in your city or province that may be able to help you
• make recommendations to the federal government on how to change its policies or laws to better suit the needs and concerns of victims, and to report on those recommendations publicly

OFOVC's services are free of charge. We do not advocate on behalf of individual victims or provide legal advice. The OFOVC can review matters that occurred only after the Office was created in March 2007 and cannot address decisions related to provincial matters, such as compensation.

Have a Complaint?

Any individual or organization can contact our office to make a complaint. However, we can review and address only those complaints that relate to victims of crime and their treatment by federal departments, agencies, employees, laws or policies.

If you are not sure if your complaint falls within our mandate, don't worry. If we cannot address your complaint directly, we will happily help by connecting you with the appropriate agency or service. We want to hear from you.

How We Address Complaints

Because every victim’s situation is different, we address complaints on a case-by-case basis.

Generally, we work closely with the victims who contact us to try to find solutions. If the case doesn't fall within our mandate, we will do our best to refer the victim to the appropriate organization or office.

All information we receive from victims is kept strictly confidential and is not shared, unless the individual gives us permission to do so.

Other Questions You May Have

Who is considered a "victim of crime?"

The law defines a victim as someone who has experienced emotional or physical harm as the result of a crime. Family members, legal guardians or dependants are considered victims when the victim is deceased, is a child, or is unable to act for him/herself due to illness or incapacity.

What is an ombudsman?

An ombudsman is someone appointed by the government to receive and review complaints made by citizens against government officials, agencies or departments. An ombudsman operates at arm’s length from the government to make sure that he or she remains impartial.