An Overview of Victim Services Across Canada

British Columbia

Legislation

British Columbia utilizes the Victims of Crime Act of 1996 to maintain a Victims Surcharge Special Account that holds the revenue gained from the 15% provincial surcharge, as well as revenue gained from federal surcharges.

British Columbia's victims' service programs are funded through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's annual budget, as well as the Victim Surcharge Special Account. Programs are eligible for funding based on a population-based formula: communities with an authorized police strength of four or more are eligible for a police-based program, and communities of 20,000 or more are eligible for a community-based program.

Services

British Columbia funds over 150 victim service programs located in police departments and community agencies throughout the province. These programs provide information about the justice system, practical help, emotional support, court orientation and referrals to other services. Police-based programs serve all types of victims and also assist police in situations where there are multiple injuries or deaths. Community-based programs serve victims of family and sexual violence, and include programs for ethno-specific and diverse communities and programs for Aboriginal peoples. The Victim Safety Unit, operated directly by Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division, promotes victim safety by notifying registered victims of crime and civil restraining order protected parties about the release of offenders from custody, seven days a week.

Compensation

The Crime Victim Assistance Program is funded through the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General's budget, and is administered directly by Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division.

Victims, immediate family members and certain witnesses may be eligible for benefits under the Crime Victim Assistance Act. Benefits include, but are not limited to, medical and/or dental expenses, prescription drug expenses, counselling services, repair/replacement of personal property, income support and crime scene cleaning. There is no global cap on benefits awarded per claimant although some benefits have maximum award levels and conditions that are set out in the Crime Victim Assistance (General) Regulation and the Crime Victim Assistance (Income Support and Vocational Services or Expenses Benefits) Regulation.

• Victim Services: www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victim_services/index.htm
• Crime Victim Assistance Program: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victim_services/cva/index.htm