Ontario. Ministry of the Attorney General

Victim / Witness Assistance Program


Description

Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process. Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over. Services include:

  • information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
  • needs assessment and referrals to community agencies
  • crisis intervention, emotional support, victim advocacy
  • facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
  • information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
  • facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
  • debriefing and follow-up support

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund (VVFF) - Helps support victims of violent crime, families of homicide victims and families of motor vehicle fatalities participate more fully in the criminal court process by providing financial assistance and court-based supports for: travel to attend key court dates​

  • language interpretation services
  • special accommodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
  • basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending for court
Eligibility
Victims and witnesses of:
  • Intimate partner violence
  • Child physical and sexual abuse
  • Sexual assault (including historical sexual assault and human trafficking)

  • Families of motor vehicle fatalities
  • Families of homicide victims
  • Elderly victims
  • Victims with disabilities
  • Victims of hate crime



  • Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund - Eligibility determined on case-by-case basis
    Application Process
    Referral by police, Crown Attorney, community agency, or self-referral.

    To access supports, the proceedings must take place at a court in Ontario and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the type of support requested
    Toll Free
    1-866-296-0166
    Office
    613-264-8387
    Fax
    613-264-9014
    TTY
    1-866-611-5233
    Web Site
    http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/
    Mailing Address
    43 Drummond St E
    Box 1400
    Perth, ON, K7H 1G1
    Canada
    Languages
    English, Interpretive Services - can be arranged
    Fees
    None
    Accessibility
    Fully Accessible
    Topic(s)
    Agency Information
    View Agency Profile
    Copyright
    Community Navigation of Eastern Ontario / Navigation communautaire de l’Est ontarien
    Last Verified On
    December 11, 2024
    Address
    43 Drummond St E
    Perth, ON, K7H 1G1
    Cross street: Drummond St and Craig St
    Open in Google Maps
    Hours of Operation
    Mon
    0830 to 1700
    Tue
    0830 to 1700
    Wed
    0830 to 1700
    Thu
    0830 to 1700
    Fri
    0830 to 1700

    Court offices: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm * Counter service: Mon-Fri 9 am-11 am, 2 pm-4 pm
    Service Area(s)
    Lanark County