By the end of this chapter, you should be able to: LO1 Describe the role of the victim in the criminal justice system LO2 Describe the rate of victimization in CanadaLO3 Identify those individuals who are most likely to be victimized in Canada LO4 Examine the impact of victimization LO5 Identify the legislation that protects the rights of victims on an international and a national levelLO6 Describe the organizations and the types of support available to victims in CanadaLO7 Examine the level of victim satisfaction with the criminal justice system

Copyright 2013 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. 1

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Copyright 2013 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. 2LO6

Approximately 686 agencies or organizations provided victim assistance to 406,000 victims across Canada in 2007/2008.Three times more female victims received assistance than menPolice-based victim services are the most common type of service availableSome provide specialized care (e.g. sexual assault care centres) or serve a specific demographic (e.g. youth, elderly)

VICTIM SERVICES

Court-based victim services strive to make the process less intimidating. For children there are provisions to protect them as they are especially vulnerable.A child’s evidence does not need to be corroborated to be acceptedA child’s testimony may be accepted via video, with a one-way screen, CCTV or with a support personThe court may not allow cross examination of a child witness by an adverse party

Copyright 2013 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. 3

PROTECTION FOR CHILD VICTIMS/WITNESSES

LO6

Each province/territory has a financial compensation program for victims which can help withExpenses incurred through injury or deathCounselling costsPrescription drug expensesProtective services or expensesIncome supportCrime scene cleaning

Copyright 2013 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Ltd. 4

FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS

LO6