RESOURCES

Ministry of Justice

Victims and Witnesses of Crime and Violence

Court Orientation, Preparation and Accompaniment


Overview

Victim Service Workers provide support to victims who are involved in the court process. The Victims of Crime Act of British Columbia ensures that victims have the right to information on the justice system, victim services and related legislation. Victim Service Workers can assist by explaining this legislation to victims and witnesses so that they are better able to understand the role they play in the criminal justice system. In addition, Victim Service Workers can assist with Crime Victim Assistance Program applications, including explaining eligibility requirements, discussing available benefits, and assisting with application submissions. They also provide victims with information about subpoenas, pre-trial meetings with Crown, the court process, as well as court accompaniment for victims who attend court.

In addition to Victim Service Workers, Victim Court Support Caseworkers provide additional assistance to victims involved in the court process. Victim Court Support Programs currently operate in the Port Coquitlam Courthouse, the Surrey Provincial Court and at Vancouver's Downtown Community Court. Caseworkers work closely with Crown counsel, justice and community partners, and victim service programs to augment the supports currently provided by police-based and community-based victim service programs.


Court Orientation

The British Columbia Victims of Crime Act ensures that victims of crime have the right to information on the justice system, victim services and related legislation. The following resources provide information about the court process:


Preparation – Victim Impact Statement

If you need assistance, a Victim Service Worker can help you prepare a Victim Impact Statement—a written statement that describes how the crime has affected you. If the crime goes before the court, the information you provide in your statement is valuable to both Crown counsel and the judge. A Victim Impact Statement is used at sentencing if the accused is found guilty or pleads guilty. It is your written description of how a crime has affected you—a victim, a family member of the victim or witness.

What to consider when writing your statement . . .

  1. Emotional Impact — has the crime affected your:
  • emotions and reactions
  • lifestyle and activities
  • relationship with your partner, spouse, friends, family or colleagues
  • ability to work or study
  • need for counselling or emotional support
  1. Physical Impact — have you suffered any physical injuries or disabilities as a result of the crime:
  • have you suffered pain, discomfort, illness, scars or physical restriction?
  • was any medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, physiotherapy and/or medication required?
  • will any further treatment be needed?
  1. Financial Impact – have any financial or property losses have resulted from the crime?
  • the cost of any property that was damaged, lost, or destroyed and the cost of repairs or replacement?
  • the amount of any insurance deductible you paid?
  • loss of income, medical, counselling or treatment expenses not covered by insurance?
  • if you and the accused lived in the same household and the crime caused you to leave that household, include details of any expenses for moving, such as temporary housing, food, child care and transportation. See section on this website, Financial Assistance, regarding the possible recovery of financial losses due to the effects of a serious or violent crime.
  1. Other Comments or Concerns - Are there other matters not yet covered?
  • other ways your life may have changed
  • how you feel about contact with the accused

For more information see:

Accompaniment

A victim servcie worker can help you be more comfortable with the court environment and provide support during the court case. Contact VictimLink BC for more information.