The Crime Victim Assistance Program

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is administered by the Victim Services and Crime Prevention Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

The program is governed by the Crime Victim Assistance Act and the corresponding regulations (see B.C. Reg. 161 and B.C. Reg. 162). 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. The following document outlines the CVAP program:

• Financial Assistance for Victims of Violence

To read about what benefits are available for specific groups, see the following summary documents:

• Benefits Available to Victims
• Benefits Available to Immediate Family Members
• Benefits Available to Witnesses

The Crime Victim Assistance Program came into force 2002, replacing the Criminal Injury Compensation Program previously operated by the Workers' Compensation Board. The Crime Victim Assistance Program was 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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