Victims of Crime
A victim of crime is anyone who has experienced physical, emotional, or financial harm due to a criminal act. This can include not only the individuals directly affected but also their families and caregivers. Victims often face emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, as well as financial difficulties from medical costs or lost income.
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Under the law, victims have the right to access information about the offender, participate in the justice process, and receive support services.
At Howard & Associates, our experienced therapists provide compassionate support to help victims of crime navigate their healing journey. We offer counselling and therapeutic interventions to address trauma, rebuild confidence, and support overall well-being.
Support for Victims of Crime: Your Rights & Available Services
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Are you or a loved one a victim of a crime where the offender is serving a federal prison sentence of two years or more? Do you provide care for a crime victim or their children in such circumstances?
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If so, you have the legal right to request information about the offender while they are serving their sentence.
Victims of crime can access a range of federal services, including:
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Information on how to register to receive updates about the offender.
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An overview of the federal correctional and parole systems.
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Access to federal restorative justice services.
Under Canadian law, victims are entitled to specific information about the offender while they remain under the jurisdiction of the Parole Board of Canada.​​
Legal Definition of a Victim of Crime in Canada
Under Canadian law, a victim of crime is anyone who has experienced physical or emotional harm, property damage, or financial loss as a result of a criminal act. This definition extends beyond the directly affected individuals to include their spouse, common-law partner, relatives, dependents, or caregivers in cases where the victim is deceased or unable to advocate for themselves.
However, individuals who have been charged with, convicted of, or found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder for the crime in question are not considered victims under this legislation.
These legal provisions are outlined in the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, which grants victims the right to access information, protection, participation, and restitution within the criminal justice system.