The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is an independent advisory agency that provides advice to the Attorney General of Ontario on victims’ issues.
I was struck by the desperate need for information, for guidance, understanding and for support.
After victimization I really appreciated being allowed to talk at my own pace.
Ensuring that victims are aware of the services available to them is an important first step in helping to rebuild their lives.
I wish there was a way to rewind my life to the day before...
The strongest chain that kept me locked away was my silence. The only key to release the chain was my voice.
No one wants to think it could happen to them...
You don't know what to do or where to turn but there are supports available.
About the OVC
Provide your Input
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is always seeking input from victims of crime regarding their access to supports and services after victimization.
You can also visit this page to learn about OVC initiatives and other government initiatives seeking feedback from victims of crime and those who support them.
Publications for Victims
Have You Been a Victim of Crime? What’s Next…Information and Resources for Victims of Crime in Ontario:
- What’s Inside
- Victims of Crime in Ontario
- Getting Help Quickly
- Financial Compensation
- The Criminal Justice Process
This handbook is for victims of crime and the people who support them. It includes information about victims’ rights, places to go for help, and the criminal justice system. This information will help victims understand what to expect and how to ensure their rights are respected.
At the back of the handbook, there is a Glossary of Terms and a summary of resources (Who to Contact) that will help guide victims to the supports and services available in their communities.
Important Notice: As of October 1, 2019, the CICB is no longer accepting applications for compensation (death or injury), requests for review or applications to vary an order for compensation. To learn more, read the CICB’s Latest News.
As of October 1, 2019, the Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+) will be the one-window access to financial assistance for victims of crime in Ontario.
Therefore, the current handbook content related to financial assistance programs in Ontario is now outdated, though some of the information may be still be helpful. We are in the process of updating the content and will have new versions available as soon as possible.
- Who is a victim of crime
- Do victims of crime have rights?
- I am a victim of crime. Where can I get help?
- What do you mean by “victim services”?
- How do I contact victim services?
- Are there special services for the kind of crime I have experienced?
- What if the victim is a child?
- What if I need emergency funds?
Important Notice: As of October 1, 2019, the CICB is no longer accepting applications for compensation (death or injury), requests for review or applications to vary an order for compensation. To learn more, read the CICB’s Latest News.
As of October 1, 2019, the Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+) will be the one-window access to financial assistance for victims of crime in Ontario.
Therefore, the current handbook content related to financial assistance programs in Ontario is now outdated, though some of the information may be still be helpful. We are in the process of updating the content and will have new versions available as soon as possible.
- How do I apply for compensation?
- Is there a deadline to apply?
- What kinds of things can I get compensation for?
- Do I need a lawyer?
- Can I apply for compensation even if I didn’t report the crime to the police?
- Who decides if I get compensation?
- Are there other ways to get compensated for my losses?
- The Police Investigation
- Custody and Bail
- Going to Court
- Sentencing
- Appeals
- Release from prison
- Parole Hearings
- If the offender is a youth
Living Beyond the Murder of a Loved One: Information for Families and Others Affected by Homicide:
- What’s Inside
- After the Police Leave
- Financial Assistance
- The Criminal Justice Process
- Coroner’s Inquest
This handbook is intended to help families and others affected by homicide understand and navigate some of the processes they may encounter in the days, weeks, months, and years following their loved one’s death. It includes practical information about the criminal justice system and supports and services that are available.
Important Notice: As of October 1, 2019, the CICB is no longer accepting applications for compensation (death or injury), requests for review or applications to vary an order for compensation. To learn more, read the CICB’s Latest News.
As of October 1, 2019, the Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+) will be the one-window access to financial assistance for victims of crime in Ontario.
Therefore, the current handbook content related to financial assistance programs in Ontario is now outdated, though some of the information may be still be helpful. We are in the process of updating the content and will have new versions available as soon as possible.
- Victim Services
- Making the Identification
- The Autopsy
- Collecting the property of your loved one
- Planning a funeral
- If your home was the crime scene
- Dealing with the media
Important Notice: As of October 1, 2019, the CICB is no longer accepting applications for compensation (death or injury), requests for review or applications to vary an order for compensation. To learn more, read the CICB’s Latest News.
As of October 1, 2019, the Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+) will be the one-window access to financial assistance for victims of crime in Ontario.
Therefore, the current handbook content related to financial assistance programs in Ontario is now outdated, though some of the information may be still be helpful. We are in the process of updating the content and will have new versions available as soon as possible.
- The Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP)
- Financial Assistance for Families of Homicide Victims (FAFHV)
- The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB)
- Other ways of getting compensated for your losses
- Other supports and services
- The Police Investigation
- Custody and Bail
- The Preliminary Hearing
- The Trial
- Sentencing
- Parole and other types of release from prison
- If the offender is a youth
- When the accused has a mental disorder
- What is a coroner’s inquest?
- In what circumstance is an inquest held?
- Can I request a coroner’s inquest?
- Who can participate in an inquest?
- If I am granted standing at an inquest, will my costs be covered?
- Will I have to testify at the inquest?
- Can I get a copy of the jury verdict and recommendations?
Ontario News Release
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