Introduction to Law for Victims of Crime (4:I): Difference between revisions

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{{REVIEWED LSLAP | date= 25 August 2025}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = victims}}
{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = victims}}


Victims of crime require a wide variety of assistance depending on their needs. This chapter will outline the avenues a client can take to address being a victim of crime.   
Victims of crime require a wide variety of assistance depending on their needs. This chapter will outline the avenues an individual can take to address being a victim of crime.  These avenues include initiating criminal proceedings, attaining financial compensation for losses incurred as a result of crimes, and otherwise accessing financial assistance earmarked for crime victims.


In 2015, Parliament enacted the ''Canadian Victims Bill of Rights'', SC 2015, c 13, s 2 [''CVBR''], which is expected to come into force on July 23, 2015. The ''CVBR'' recognizes victims of crime and their families deserve to be treated with compassion and respect, and have the right to be  considered throughout the criminal justice system. In particular, the CVBR acknowledges victims of crime have the following rights:
:'''Note''': Sexual harassment is considered a form of gender discrimination under human rights legislation. Canadian human rights law imposes a statutory duty on employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment. For information concerning sexual harassment, consult '''[[Introduction to Human Rights (6:I)|Chapter 6: Human Rights]]'''; and '''[[Introduction to Employment Law (9:I)|Chapter 9: Employment Law]]'''.
*the right to information about the criminal justice system, the services and programs available to victims of crime and the complaint procedures available to victims when their rights have been infringed or denied;
*the right to information about the status of criminal proceedings and information about hearings after the accused is found not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder or unfit to stand trial;  
*the right to have their security and privacy considered by the appropriate authorities in the criminal justice system;
*the right to protection from intimidation and retaliation;
*the right to request testimonial aids;
*the right to have the courts consider making a restitution order against the offender; and
*the right to have a restitution order entered as a civil court judgment that is enforceable against the offender if the amount owing under the restitution order is not paid.  


The ''CVBR'' provides victims of crime the right to make a complaint to the relevant federal, provincial or territorial department, agency or body if they are of the opinion that any of their rights under the Act have been infringed or denied (s. 25). It is important to note, however, that the ''CVBR'' does not create a civil cause of action for victims (s. 28) nor does it grant victims the status of party to criminal proceedings. 
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== A. Governing Legislation, Regulations, Policy Guidelines, and Resources ==
 
=== 1. Legislation and Regulations ===
 
''Canadian Victims Bill of Rights'', SC 2015, c 13, s 2(In force on July 23, 2015).
*Website: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=7935412 
 
''Victims of Crime Act'', RSBC 1996, c 478
*Website: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/Stat/V/96478_01.htm
 
''Crime Victim Assistance Act'', SBC 2001, c 38.
*Website: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/C/01038_01.htm 
 
''Crime Victim Assistance (General) Regulation'', BC Reg 161/2002.
*Website: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/reg/C/161_2002.htm
 
''Crime Victim Assistance (Income Support and Vocational Services and Expenses) Regulation'' BC Reg 162/2002
*Website: http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/reg/c/162_2002.htm
 
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Latest revision as of 18:57, 13 October 2025

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by the Law Students' Legal Advice Program on 25 August 2025.



Victims of crime require a wide variety of assistance depending on their needs. This chapter will outline the avenues an individual can take to address being a victim of crime. These avenues include initiating criminal proceedings, attaining financial compensation for losses incurred as a result of crimes, and otherwise accessing financial assistance earmarked for crime victims.

Note: Sexual harassment is considered a form of gender discrimination under human rights legislation. Canadian human rights law imposes a statutory duty on employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment. For information concerning sexual harassment, consult Chapter 6: Human Rights; and Chapter 9: Employment Law.
© Copyright 2025, The Greater Vancouver Law Students' Legal Advice Society.