Need to Know

There are many resources already available to victims of crime who have questions or concerns about the criminal justice and corrections systems. Before consulting the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, please take a moment to see if there are others who may help you.

I want to report a crime against me or someone else

Please go to the police in your community. They will take down all the information you provide, conduct further investigations if necessary, and then decide whether a person should be charged with committing a crime. The police can charge someone with a crime if there are reasonable grounds to believe an offence has been committed.

I want to find out what supports (non-financial) are available for victims of crime

All provinces and territories provide services to victims of crime. Many non-governmental organizations also assist victims. Your local police can refer you to available victim services in your community or you can look in the blue pages of your telephone book. Many provinces have a 1-800 number for victims of crime which you can find in your telephone book or on the internet. Victim services will be able to provide you with information about counselling services which are available to victims of crime.

I want information about the investigation and the case against an offender

Generally, the police service in the community where the crime occurred is responsible for investigating the crime. The police officer who took the information about the crime can help you. If you have the officer's name and the file number of the case this will help you get the information more quickly. You can also call the Crown Attorney's office to find out about upcoming hearing dates and other information about the case against the accused. Victim Services will also help you reach the right person and can also provide you with general information about the criminal justice system and your role in it.

I want to find out what financial supports are available to victims of crime

Some provinces have established criminal injuries compensation or financial assistance programs for victims of crime. Victims Services in your province can refer you to the criminal injuries compensation or financial assistance program in your province or you can look in the blue pages of your telephone book.

I want to apply for financial assistance to attend a sentencing hearing

The Federal Government has made new resources available as of April 1, 2007 to the provinces and territories to set up a programme to provide financial assistance to victims who wish to attend sentencing hearings to present victim impact statements. Please contact Victims Services in your province to find out if your province has established such a programme.

I want information about an incarcerated offender

Correctional Services of Canada and the National Parole Board will provide information about an incarcerated offender if you request it. Anyone, including a victim or a victim's family can request and receive basic information about an offender, and victims may receive additional information not available to the general public. Victims who wish to receive information must register and ensure that the National Parole Board and Correctional Services of Canada have their current address and telephone numbers. Please contact a Regional Communication Officer at your NPB office or a Victim Liaison Coordinator at Correctional Services of Canada.

I want to find out the date of a parole board hearing and how to attend

Registered victims will receive notification of parole board hearings if they request it. Please contact a Regional Communication Officer at your NPB office or a Victim Liaison Coordinator at Correctional Services of Canada to find out how to register and how to receive financial assistance to attend a parole hearing.