Victim Assistance Program

Victim Service 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. Children, youth, families, service providers, and Crown can provide referrals.

Support available:

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

Victim Services also provides assistance with Victim Impact Statement, advocacy and assistance in accessing programs such as the Crime Victim Assistance and Victim Notification programs, information about rights under the Victims of Crime Act.