Victims of crime

The rights of victims and victims' families in the Canadian legal system attracted significant attention throughout most of the 1990s. Growing concern for victims of crime and their rights in criminal proceedings prompted several recent changes in legislation.

Changes to the law in 1999 built on previous reform initiatives to enhance the safety, security and privacy of victims of crime in the criminal justice system. The amendments ensure that victims are informed about opportunities to prepare and read victim impact statements in court, require police and judges to consider the safety of victims in bail decisions, expand protection for victims and witnesses when giving testimony, and permit judges to ban the publication of the identities of victims and witnesses when appropriate. Also, reforms to the Criminal Code now require all offenders to pay an automatic victim surcharge (an additional monetary penalty of a fixed amount), the increased revenue from which will help the provinces and territories fund victim services.

At the beginning of 2000, the Government of Canada announced it would also provide $5 million per year for five years to fund the Policy Centre for Victim Issues. Established in 1999, the Centre ensures that the perspectives of crime victims are taken into consideration when federal policies and legislation are being developed.

The new injection of funds will be used for research, consultation, public education and awareness, as well as for the support of innovative programs and assistance. These initiatives will help ensure that the situation of the victim in the judicial process continues to improve.