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

Jump to navigation Jump to search
no edit summary
(Created page with "{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = victims}}")
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{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. 
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:
*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. 
== 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
next p 4-2

Navigation menu