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
    1-866-296-0165
    Office
    613-962-3005 - Belleville office
    Fax
    613-962-3225
    TTY
    613-962-4064 - Toll free (1-866-611-5233 )
    Web Site
    http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/
    Mailing Address
    c/o Victim/Witness Assistance Program, 15 Victoria Ave
    Belleville, ON, K8N 5H5
    Canada
    Languages
    English, Interpretive Services
    Fees
    None
    Accessibility
    Fully Accessible
    Topic(s)
    Agency Information
    View Agency Profile
    Copyright
    Volunteer & Information Quinte
    Last Verified On
    December 9, 2024
    Address
    172 Main St
    Prince Edward, ON, K0K 2T0
    Cross street: Elizabeth St and Main St
    Open in Google Maps
    Hours of Operation
    Hours vary
    Service Area(s)
    Prince Edward County