Victims of Crime Act
In 1997, the Alberta Government proclaimed the Victims of Crime Act. This act replaced the Criminal Injuries Compensation and Victims Programs Assistance Acts, consolidating assistance and other services to victims under one legislation. It established the authority to collect surcharges on provincial statute offences, defined principles respecting the treatment of victims, provides victims with rights to obtain information and introduced financial benefits for victims. Under the act, surcharges on federal offences already being collected and provincial fine surcharge revenue collected are deposited into a fund which is used to support two primary programs, the Financial Benefits Program and a Grants Program.
Financial Benefits Program
In Alberta, victims who have suffered physical or emotional injury as a direct result of a violent crime can apply for financial benefits. Those injured as a direct result of a violent crime may be eligible for a one-time financial benefit based on the severity of injuries sustained. Payment is determined by the severity of the injury rather than on the losses or costs incurred and is made regardless of the victim's financial position or sources of income. The program's intent is to recognize or acknowledge victimization rather than attempt compensation for loss.
Grants Program
Groups and organizations that provide services that benefit victims of crime are eligible to apply for a Victims of Crime Program grant. A committee representing government, police and the community evaluates applications for funding submitted April 1 and October 1 of each year and makes recommendations.
Since proclamation of the Victims Programs Assistance Act in 1991 and the Victims of Crime Act in 1997, victim assistance programs have expanded throughout the province. With the support of local communities, police services and Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security, over 100 victim services units have been established to provide information, assistance and courtroom support to victims during the criminal justice process.
As well as grants for police-affiliated programs, funding has also been approved for specialized programs that help prepare victims for court, assist victims of sexual assault and domestic violence, assist child victims, and assist Aboriginals.