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According to the VICTIMS OF CRIME ACT, victims of crime have the right to:
- be given information about the victim services available in their area
- be given information about the criminal justice system
- be given information about the status of the police investigation, the prosecution, the court case and the offender’s sentence
- apply for compensation for injury and loss
- provide the court, before sentencing, with information about how the crime affected you and your life
- request copies of court orders that are important to your safety (such as no-contact orders)
Have you been sexually assaulted or abused? Are you the victim of violence in
relationships? Are you being criminally harassed or stalked? If you answer
yes to any of these questions, free confidential support and information
are available to you.
The Specialized Victim Assistance program, coordinated through the Northern Society
for Domestic Peace in Smithers, offers services to people living
in the Bulkley Valley and Houston. Whether you choose to report
to the RCMP or not, assistance and support are
available for women, men, youth and children. Our program offers:
- emotional support
- information about your rights and the criminal justice system
- preparation
for testifying in court and court accompaniment
- safety planning
- assistance with forms completion, such as Victim Impact Statements and Crime Victim Assistance Program applications
- referrals to other community and provincial resources
- Third Party Reporting (for adult victims of sexual assault who wish to remain confidential but have information on the incident given to RCMP)
CANADIAN LAW - From the Criminal Code of Canada:
USEFUL RESOURCES :
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Victim Link (crisis support and referrals to resources in BC)
1-800-563-0808
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LawLine (free legal info, referrals and advice by phone for BC)
1-866-577-2525
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Cory's Courthouse - for children who will attend court
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Testifying in Court: Choices for Youth in BC
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Information and Tips for Victims & Witnesses Who Will Testify in Criminal Court
Information and Tips for Testifying in Criminal Court - August 2009
Police Based Victim Assistance
Stationed in the RCMP detachment, a trained group of staff and volunteers are available to victims 24 hours/ 7 days a week. Services include:
- 24 hour/7 days a week police-based crisis intervention services
- Support to victims/witnesses of crime and other trauma (for example, families of car accident victims, families of sudden death or suicide, victims of property crime, victims of common assault, etc)
- Support to youth and families in crisis
- Community education
Support Services
Services provided to victims/witnesses of crime and trauma include:
- Police-based crisis intervention
- Information on the status of the police investigation and the progress of the case through the court system
- Emotional support
- Court orientation and escort if the victim/ witness is required to testify
- Crime prevention information
- Referrals to other agencies for counseling, financial support, legal or financial assistance, housing, etc.
- Assistance in completing Crime Victim Assistance Program applications
- Assistance in completing Victim Impact Statements
Crisis Intervention
Crisis intervention services are provided to individuals and families who have been the victim/witness to a crime or other traumatic event such as a serious motor vehicle accident, sudden death or suicide, or acute family problems.
Personal Disaster Assistance is provided to individuals and families who have been the victim of situations such as floods and house fires. This service is provided in conjunction with the Canadian Red Cross and the Provincial Emergency Program.
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