An Overview of Victim Services Across Canada

Quebec

Legislation

Quebec's Act Respecting Assistance for Victims of Crime sets out various measures to meet the needs and concerns of victims of crime. This act sets out, for one, the use of surcharges to fund victims of crime assistance programs province-wide.

Services

The crime victims' assistance office (BAVAC), set up at the ministère de la Justice, has the mandate to support victims rights, and to ensure the development of victim assistance programs, the creation and distribution of information and awareness-raising programs and training on the rights and needs of victims and the services that are available to them. It is also responsible for implementing and maintaining the crime victims' assistance centres (CAVAC), which are community organizations funded by Quebec. CAVAC offer all victims of crime, their loved ones and dependents free services throughout the province. They provide basic information on the legal process and victims' rights and remedies, including those involving compensation. They offer post-trauma intervention and psycho-socio-legal services and can support victims and their families throughout the legal process.

The province of Quebec also funds Assistance centres for victims of sexual assault (CALACs), shelters for victims of domestic violence, a domestic violence hotline (S.O.S. Violence Conjugale), and a variety of other resources.

Compensation

In Quebec, anyone injured due to the commission of a crime against the person can claim compensation and services under the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act. The Commission de la santé et la securité du travail (CSST) is responsible for the application of this Act. Others who may claim compensation are: persons injured while assisting a peace officer, while arresting or attempting to arrest an offender, or while preventing or attempting to prevent a crime. Should the victim die, their dependents or their parents if a minor, may receive compensation. Funeral expenses are covered to $3,000. The victim may receive compensation during the period they are unable to work or carry out their usual activities. Medical assistance fees, such as pharmaceutical and dental expenses, and travel fees are compensable. Social and professional reintegration fees including psychotherapy, moving, home care or training could be covered. If there are permanent consequences, compensation shall be proportional to the rate of physical or psychological disability.

Victim Services: http://www.justice.gouv.qc.ca/english/publications/generale/rec-ress-a.htm

Crime Victims Compensation: http://www.ivac.qc.ca/EN_acts.asp