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A Crime Victim's Guide to the Criminal Justice System
The Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice For Victims of Crime
In 1988, the federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Justice endorsed the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of
Justice for Victims of Crime. This document details principles to guide legislators and service providers in promoting
access to justice, fair treatment, and provision of assistance for victims of crime. The principles recognize that justice for
victims of crime is a shared responsibility. The statement provides:
In recognition of the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime, Federal and Provincial
Ministers Responsible for Criminal Justice agree that the following principles should guide Canadian society in promoting access
to justice, fair treatment and provision of assistance for victims of crime:
- Victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion and with respect for their dignity and privacy and should suffer the minimum
of necessary inconvenience from their involvement with the criminal justice system.
- Victims should receive, through formal and informal procedures, prompt and fair redress for the harm that they have suffered.
- Information regarding remedies and the mechanisms to obtain them should be made available to victims.
- Information should be made available to victims about their participation in criminal proceedings and the scheduling, progress
and ultimate disposition of the proceedings.
- Where appropriate, the views and concerns of victims should be ascertained and assistance provided throughout the criminal
process.
- Where the personal interests of the victim are affected, the views or concerns of the victim should be brought to the attention
of the court, where appropriate and consistent with criminal law and procedure.
- Measures should be taken when necessary to ensure the safety of victims and their families and to protect them from intimidation
and retaliation.
- Enhanced training should be made available to sensitize criminal justice personnel to the needs and concerns of victims and
guidelines developed, where appropriate, for this purpose.
- Victims should be informed of the availability of health and social services and other relevant assistance so that they might
continue to receive the necessary medical, psychological and social assistance through existing programs and services.
- Victims should report the crime and cooperate with the law enforcement authorities.
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