Resources – National

Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime

The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime is a new, independent resource for victims in Canada. The Office was created in 2007 to ensure the federal government meets its responsibilities to victims of crime.

Victims of crime can contact the Office to learn more about their rights under federal law and the programs and services available to them, or to make a complaint about any federal agency or federal legislation that has an impact on victims. In addition to its direct work with victims, the Office also works to ensure that policy makers and other criminal justice personnel are aware of victims’ needs and concerns. The Ombudsman can also identify and review emerging and systemic issues that may negatively impact victims and make recommendations to the federal government in this regard.***

More information: http://www.victimsfirst.gc.ca/index.html
Toll-free: 1-866-481-8429
E-mail: victimsfirst@ombudsman.gc.ca
Mail: Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, P.O. Box 55037, Ottawa, Ontario, K1P 1A1

*

∞∞∞∞∞∞

National Office for Victims – Public Safety Canada

Established in 2005, the National Office for Victims is part of Public Safety Canada and is a central resource offering information and support on federal corrections issues. As part of its mandate, the office:

  • operates a toll-free line, 1-866-525-0554, which victims may call from anywhere in Canada or the United States;
  • provides referrals to the Correctional Service of Canada and the National Parole Board for specific enquiries;
  • ensures that a victim’s perspective is included in national policy development; and
  • develops information products for dissemination to victims, victim service providers and the general public.

More information: www.publicsafety.gc.ca/nov

*

∞∞∞∞∞∞

Policy Centre for Victim Issues – Department Of Justice

The Policy Centre for Victim Issues at the Department of Justice provides a victim’s lens for criminal law reform and policy development. The Policy Centre for Victim Issues works closely with other federal departments to ensure a consistent approach to improving the experience of victims in the criminal justice system.

The Policy Centre for Victim Issues has a broad mandate that includes:

  • conducting research;
  • raising awareness about the needs and concerns of victims;
  • developing public information materials;
  • consulting with stakeholders to identify areas of concern and options for law and policy reform;
  • administering the Victims Fund which supports victims through funding to provinces and territories; and
  • funding victim services organizations and providing limited financial assistance directly to victims so they may travel to the National Parole Board hearings of the offender who harmed them.

***

*** For more information about financial assistance to attend National Parole Board Hearings, please contact the Policy Centre for Victims Issues

Online: http://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/pcvi-cpcv/index.html
Toll-free: 1-866-544-1007
Mail: Department of Justice Canada, 284 Wellington Street, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H8

*

∞∞∞∞∞∞

Correctional Service of Canada

In addition to registering victims, the Correctional Service of Canada’s Victim Services Program has dedicated Regional Victim Services Managers and Victim Services Officers who are responsible for managing information, victim notification and other services to victims of offenders under federal jurisdiction.

More information: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/
Toll-free: 1-866-806-2275
Phone: 613-992-5891
Mail: National Headquarters, 340 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0P9

****

*** The Correctional Service of Canada also offers victim-offender mediation. The mediation process is entirely voluntary. To find out more, please contact the Correctional Service of Canada’s Restorative Justice Unit at 613-947-7309.***

*

∞∞∞∞∞∞

Parole Board of Canada

Under the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA), victims of crime are entitled to certain information about the offender who harmed them. This information is available, upon request, to the victim of a criminal offence or to a person who is the spouse, conjugal partner, relative or guardian of a victim who died as a result of an offence or a victim who is not able to act for him or herself.

The Parole Board of Canada has a team of Regional Communications Officers in each region to provide information and services to victims. Through these Officers, registered victims can obtain a copy of Parole Board of Canada decisions, present victim statements at Parole Board of Canada hearings and attend hearings as observers. Regional Communications Officers are also available to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings with victims.

More information: http://pbc-clcc.gc.ca/
Toll-free: 1-866-789-INFO (4636)
E-mail: info@PBC-CLCC.gc.ca
Mail: Communications Division, 410 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa , Ontario, K1A 0R1

*

∞∞∞∞∞∞

*

Always remember that you may have been victimized by sexual violence, but by searching for help you have started your healing.

Survivors Guide

***

Comment