An Overview of Victim Services Across Canada: Services by Type

System-based Victim Services

This type of delivery of victim services is independent from police, courts and Crown Attorneys. System-based victim services assist the victim throughout the victim's contact with the criminal justice system. This may include, but is not limited to, providing information, support and referral; short-term counselling; court preparation and accompaniment; victim impact statements preparation; liaising with police, courts, Crown and Corrections. This model of victim services is found in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and Yukon.

Police-Based Victim Services

Police-Based Victim Services are victim services that are provided following first contact with the police. While these victim service agencies are located in police detachments, they are not generally employed by the police. The police may refer the victim to victim services or advise victim services to make contact with the victim. Many police-based victim services include a coordinator plus volunteers. Some police forces employ victim services workers as well. Police-based victim services may provide information, support, assistance, referral and court orientation to victims of crime. Jurisdictions that use police-based victim services include Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Court-Based Victim Services

Court -Based Victim Services are mandated to provide support for people who have become involved in the criminal justice process as either victims or witnesses. Court-based victim services provide information, assistance and referrals to victims and witnesses with the goal of trying to make the court process less intimidating. Services may include court orientation, preparation and accompaniment to court, updates on the progress of the case, coordinating meetings with the Crown and assessing the ability of a child victim/witness to testify. Some court-based victim services focus on specific clientele i.e. children or victims of domestic violence. This type of service can be found in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

Community-Based Victim Services

Community-based victim services are agencies that provide direct services to victims and receive funding either in whole or in part by the provincial and/or federal government responsible for criminal justice matters. Some community-based victim services agencies serve a specific clientele such as victims of family and sexual violence, ethno-specific and diverse communities, and assisting child victims. Services offered may include providing emotional support, practical assistance, information, court orientation and referrals. This delivery of service can be found in every jurisdiction except Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Manitoba and the Yukon.

Volunteers and Non-Governmental Organizations

As mentioned above, many of the police-based and community-based victim services utilize the services of volunteers to assist with their programs. Volunteers can assist in many different ways including direct contact with clients to provide assistance. Other ways may include providing administrative help, fundraising or serving as board members. Most organizations that use the services of volunteers provide training in victim assistance to the volunteers.