I have been the Victim of a Crime

• Have you wished for more information regarding the criminal justice process?
• Have you wanted someone to care about your experience, offer you support and possibly refer you to community resources?
• Have you felt a need for information about your particular case? Do you have many questions about the crime, such as why did this happen? Do you have questions about the offender?
• Do you have a need to be included in the criminal justice process? Do you have needs for reparation, which are thus far unattended?
• Do you wish to describe the impact of this incident on your life to the person who committed this crime?
• Do you want to receive an apology? Do you want to see someone accept responsibility?
• Do you want to meet the offender to see if they are truly remorseful?

 

IF YOUR ANSWER IS "YES" TO THESE QUESTIONS, THEN HERE IS HOW THE PROGRAM CAN ASSIST YOU

• We can accompany you through the criminal justice process.
• We can exchange information between you and the offender. This may include describing what impact this incident has had on your life, receiving an apology and learning about the offender.
• You can have input on how you wish the harm to be repaired. You will have the opportunity to work on a Resolution Agreement with the offender.
• We can facilitate a meeting between you, your support people and the offender and their support people, should that be what both parties choose.

 

HOW DO I GET REFERRED TO THE PROGRAM?

Call the CJP Caseworkers directly or ask to be connected with the Program through the Victim Witness Assistance Program, the Investigating Officer or the Crown Attorney associated with your case. Remember that participation is voluntary for both you and the offender. The process only proceeds when both parties choose to participate.

DO I HAVE TO MEET THE OFFENDER?

No. A victim/offender meeting is held only when the parties wish to meet face to face. If people choose not to meet with each other, there are other options we can provide for communication between the parties, for example, verbal exchange through the caseworker, letter writing, and videotaped interviews.

IS THERE AN EXPECTATION THAT I WILL FORGIVE THE OFFENDER?

No. Although forgiveness is beautiful when it happens, we feel strongly that forgiveness is part of an individual's life journey and should not be demanded or expected from any participant.

WILL MY PARTICIPATION AFFECT THE OFFENDER'S SENTENCE?

Sentencing remains the role and responsibility of the Judge. If you and the offender develop a Resolution Agreement, it can be submitted to the court for consideration at the time of sentencing. Generally, Judges appreciate when an accused person accepts responsibility, addresses the causes of their behaviour and does their best to repair the harm that was done.