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Victim and Witness Services
4 Information About the Criminal Justice System
As a victim of crime, this may be your first encounter with the criminal justice system. You may have a variety of questions about how the police lay charges, what is done during a preliminary hearing, a trial, or a sentencing hearing, what parole entails, or what your role as a victim may be. The answers to these questions are available on-line, and over the phone.
First and foremost, it is recommended that you read the Victim's Guide to the Canadian Criminal Justice System. This on-line guide explains the operation of the police and court systems in very easy to understand terms. The Guide is published by the Canadian Resource Center for Victims of Crime, and is available in PDF format by clicking here.
You may also contact the Victim Support Line (VSL). Through the VSL, victims may access a voice-recorded message which explains the operation of the criminal justice system. The aim of this line is to help familiarize victims with the justice system in order to lessen the fear that they may have about attending court.
The Criminal Justice System Information line is available by dialing toll-free 1-888-579-2888.
Step 5 Making Your Views Known
- Seek Immediate Medical and Police Aid
- Your Involvement with the Police
- Seek Advice and Ongoing Assistance
3.1 Victim Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)
3.2 Victim Support Line (VSL)
3.3 Sexual Assault / Rape Crisis Centers (SAC)
3.4 Interval House
3.5 Emergency Legal Advice
3.6 Compensation
3.7 Child Victim-Witness Support Program (CVWSP) - Information About the Criminal Justice System
- Making Your Views Known
- Going to Court
- The trial is finished, now what?
- The offender has become eligible for parole. What can I do?