Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process

Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over

Services include:

• information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)

• needs assessment and referrals to community agencies, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies 

• crisis intervention, trauma-informed support, victim advocacy

• facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation

• arrange for interpreters and accessibility accommodations 

• information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution

• facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds

• debriefing and follow-up support

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund (VVFF) - Helps support victims of crime, including families of homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities resulting in criminal charges, to participate more fully in the criminal court process by providing financial assistance and court-based supports for: 

• travel to attend key court dates
• language interpretation services
• special accommodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
• basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending court

Satellite courts located in Bradford, Collingwood, Midland and Orillia -- please contact the Barrie office for more information on location and hours

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm

Victims and witnesses of:

• Intimate partner violence
• Child physical and sexual abuse
• Sexual assault (including historical sexual assault)
• human trafficking
• Families of motor vehicle fatalities
• Families of homicide victims
• Elderly victims
• Victims with disabilities
• Victims of hate crime

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund - Eligibility determined on case-by-case basis

Referral by police, Crown Attorney, community agency, or self-referral 
 
To access supports, the proceedings must take place at a court in Ontario and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the type of support requested

705-739-6560