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, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies
  • crisis intervention, trauma-informed 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
  • arrange for interpreters and accessibility accommodations
  • 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 -- Helps support victims of crime, including families of homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities resulting in criminal charges, to 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 court
Eligibility
Victims and witnesses of:
  • Intimate partner violence

  • Child physical and sexual abuse

  • Sexual assault (including historical sexual assault)

  • 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
1-866-439-5734
Office
613-732-2035
Fax
613-732-1491
TTY
1-866-611-5233
Web Site
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-attorney-general
Languages
English, French
Fees
None
Topic(s)
Social Media
Agency Information
View Agency Profile
Copyright
Community Resource Centre (Killaloe)
Last Verified On
April 8, 2025
Address
Renfrew County Courthouse, 297 Pembroke St E, Suite 0611
Pembroke, ON, K8A 3K2
Cross street: William St and Pembroke St E;
Open in Google Maps
Accessibility
Partially Accessible - Wheelchair, Parking
Hours of Operation
Mon
0830 to 1700
Tue
0830 to 1700
Wed
0830 to 1700
Thu
0830 to 1700
Fri
0830 to 1700
Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm
Service Area(s)
  • Renfrew County
  • South Algonquin Township