The Crime Victim Assistance Program
The Crime Victim Assistance Program is administered
by the Victim Services and Community Programs Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The program, which came into
force June 30, 2002, replaces the Criminal Injury Compensation Program previously operated by the Workers' Compensation
Board.
The program is governed by the Crime
Victim Assistance Act and the Regulations. Under the Act, victims injured as a result of certain crimes, immediate
family members of an injured or deceased victim and some witnesses may be eligible for financial assistance or benefits,
such as:
- Medical and dental care
- Prescription drug expenses
- Vocational services
- Disability aids
- Income support
- Lost earning capacity
- Homemaker, childcare or personal care
- Home or vehicle modification and related expenses
- Counselling
- Repair or replacement of some damaged or destroyed personal
property items
- Protective measures (such as changed locks or home security
systems)
- Transportation or travel expenses
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of parental guidance for a minor child
- Loss of earnings due to bereavement leave
- Crime scene cleaning
The Crime Victim Assistance Program has been developed in
response to the changing needs of victims. When the Criminal Injury Compensation Program began in 1972, many victims,
who were mostly male wage earners, were concerned about wage loss resulting from a crime. Today, many victims, especially
women and children, need financial support as well as additional services and assistance to aid in their recovery
from the physical and psychological effects of their victimization.
While the program does not cover injuries or loss sustained from
motor vehicle accidents, injuries or loss sustained out of, or during the course of employment, claims for pain and
suffering, and/or loss of personal property, the benefits offered through the Crime Victim Assistance Program will
help victims and others recover from the effects of violent crime so that they may participate fully and safely in
their communities.
Write:
The Crime Victim Assistance Program
PO Box 5550 Stn. Terminal
Vancouver, B.C.
V6B 1H1
Email:
SGCrimeVictimAssistanceProgram@gov.bc.ca
Call:
In the Lower Mainland call: (604) 660-3888
Call toll free in BC: 1-866-660-3888
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