Victim services

Victim Services workers have specialized expertise in supporting children and youth up to age 19 involved in the criminal justice system. Services are available for all child/youth victims and witnesses of violent crimes, abuse, and assault, including domestic violence and child protection cases. Child, youth, and family service providers can provide referrals, as well as provincial Crown counsel.

Support available includes:

• Police accompaniment and family support during forensic interviews, conducted at the Victoria and West Shore Child and Youth Advocacy Centres [insert link], or at a police station or other location
• Accompaniment to hospital medical examinations
• Liaison with police and criminal justice personnel
• Support, information, and accompaniment throughout the criminal justice process for children, youth, and non-offending family members
• Child and youth victim and witness preparation for court
• Referrals to community resources and counselling

Victim Services also provides assistance with victim impact statements, advocacy and assistance in accessing programs such as the Crime Victim Assistance and Victim Notification programs, and information about rights under BC’s Victims of Crime Act.