Law Talk: Law advice you can use
The unfortunate reality is that some people who are victimized by crime are afraid and intimidated by Ontario's justice system. The fortunate reality is that victims of crime can be assisted in a much more effective, and compassionate way than they may realize. Ontario has enacted provincial legislation known as the Victim's Bill of Rights Act (VBRA) in order to ensure the fair and compassionate treatment of victims by the justice system and offer protection to victims of crime. One way in which the justice system has become more accessible and less intimidating to those affected by crime is the presence of the Ontario Victim/Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP).
The V/WAP provides services including: informing the victim or witness of all upcoming court dates and the function of each; providing the victim or witness with copies of all relevant documents and explaining the purpose of these; providing crisis intervention, needs assessment, and emotional support; providing referrals to community services for support and/or counseling; advocating with the Crown Attorney or Police on behalf of the victim or witness; assisting the victim or witness in preparing to give evidence by providing tours of the court room and helping in the preparation of statements; assisting the victim or witness with Criminal Injuries Compensation Board claims; and, providing the victim or witness with assistance for safety planning.
Any person who suffers physical, emotional or monetary harm from a crime committed by another person is a victim, as defined by the VBRA. If you fit this description, or if you have witnessed a crime, it might be worth you while to consult the V/WAP after the charges have been laid.
V/WAP services work largely with victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, including partner assault, sexual assault, and child abuse. V/WAP services also provide support to elderly victims, victims of hate crimes, and families of homicide victims. While the services are available to all victims and witnesses -adults and children- they are provided on a priority basis to those who have been most affected by the crime.
If you wish to obtain V/WAP services within London or Middlesex County, you can contact 519-453-8973. or at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/vw/vwap.asp.
This column provides legal information only. If you need legal advice please contact a lawyer, community legal clinic or the Lawyer Referral Service at 1-900-565-4LRS (a $6.00 charge will apply). Fanshawe College students may book an appointment to attend our outreach clinic at the college. Please call us at 519-661-3352 to book an appointment.
The V/WAP provides services including: informing the victim or witness of all upcoming court dates and the function of each; providing the victim or witness with copies of all relevant documents and explaining the purpose of these; providing crisis intervention, needs assessment, and emotional support; providing referrals to community services for support and/or counseling; advocating with the Crown Attorney or Police on behalf of the victim or witness; assisting the victim or witness in preparing to give evidence by providing tours of the court room and helping in the preparation of statements; assisting the victim or witness with Criminal Injuries Compensation Board claims; and, providing the victim or witness with assistance for safety planning.
Any person who suffers physical, emotional or monetary harm from a crime committed by another person is a victim, as defined by the VBRA. If you fit this description, or if you have witnessed a crime, it might be worth you while to consult the V/WAP after the charges have been laid.
V/WAP services work largely with victims and witnesses of domestic abuse, including partner assault, sexual assault, and child abuse. V/WAP services also provide support to elderly victims, victims of hate crimes, and families of homicide victims. While the services are available to all victims and witnesses -adults and children- they are provided on a priority basis to those who have been most affected by the crime.
If you wish to obtain V/WAP services within London or Middlesex County, you can contact 519-453-8973. or at www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/about/vw/vwap.asp.
This column provides legal information only. If you need legal advice please contact a lawyer, community legal clinic or the Lawyer Referral Service at 1-900-565-4LRS (a $6.00 charge will apply). Fanshawe College students may book an appointment to attend our outreach clinic at the college. Please call us at 519-661-3352 to book an appointment.
