An Overview of Victim Services Across Canada

Prince Edward Island

Legislation

The Victims of Crime Act was proclaimed September 30, 1989 and amended effective August 7, 1989. The Province of Prince Edward Island collects a Victim Surcharge which is placed in a Victim Assistance Fund in order to help fund Victim Services and Criminal Injury Compensation. The Fund is supplemented by general revenues and federal victim surcharges.

Services

Victim Services assists victims of crime throughout their involvement in the criminal justice system. Where a victim is incapacitated or has died as a result of the crime, family member may benefit from available services.

Victim Services of Prince Edward Island offer the following services: information about the status of cases and the criminal justice system, short term counselling and emotional support, court preparation, help in preparing a victim impact statement, referrals to other services, assistance under the Victims of Family Violence Act, financial information, and/or the coordination of services.

Compensation

Victims Services staff investigate claims for benefits up to a maximum of $15,000 for one victim. Compensable expenses include costs incurred as a result of a personal injury or death including wages or salary lost because of injury, medical or dental costs, pain and suffering, reasonable funeral expenses, and counselling costs.

Victim Services: http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=1000822&lang=E

Criminal Injuries Compensation: http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=1000941