Assisting Victims of Crime and Other Traumatizing Events

Help for Victims of Crime

We often think of crime as something that happens to other people. We do not expect to be affected by crime, so when a crime occurs that affects us, we are often unsure what help is available.

Victims will be informed of the availability of relevant services pertaining to the crime that has affected them. Victims will be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect.

Information will be provided to victims about their participation in criminal proceedings and appropriate assistance provided throughout the criminal justice system process.

Victims of Crime Act

If you are a victim of crime, British Columbia’s Victims of Crime Act gives you the right to receive information about:

• victim services available to you
• compensation for criminal injury
• how the criminal justice system works and the status of the police investigation and the court case
• the administration of the offender’s sentence
• your rights to privacy

Connect with us

Victim Services Office is available:

• Monday to Friday - 7am to 7pm
• Weekends and Holidays - 9am to 4pm

Victim Services Telephone is available:

• 7 days a week - 6am to 3am including weekends and Holidays
• Phone: 604.599.7600

At Scene Assistance: This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Victim Service personnel assist victims at the scene of a crime or traumatic event when requested to do so by an attending Police Officer.

What help can you expect from Victim Services

Support Victim Services will listen and provide emotional support to help you through the crime or trauma you have experienced.

Information Victim Services will provide a link between victims and the criminal justice system to help you obtain the services and information you need.

Referrals You may need legal advice, counselling, financial assistance or other services. Victim Services can provide resource information regarding appropriate government or community agencies.

Assistance If your case goes to court, Victim Services will work with the Crown Prosecutor’s office and the police to answer your questions, help prepare you for court and ensure that you are informed about court dates and the results of the proceedings.

Mission Statement

To provide victims and witnesses of a crime or traumatic event with information and emotional support through coordinated and supportive Victim community and Criminal Justice System networks.

Victim Services personnel are committed to provide services in a professional and sensitive Services manner, while adhering to all mandated policies, guidelines and procedures.

Victims have a right to be treated with dignity, compassion, and understanding.

For program information contact:

Victim Services
T: 604.599.7600 | F: 604.599.8892

Other Resources

• VictimLINK
  1-800-563-0808
• Crime Victim Assistance Program
  1-866-660-3888
• Victim Safety Notification Services
  1-877-315-8822