FAQ
This page is dedicated to Frequently Asked Questions - common inquiries or concerns - and serves as a quick reference for those seeking to learn more about our services, processes, and other relevant topics.
1 | How can I access victim services?
Our services can be accessed by RCMP referral, a Community Agency referral, or by self-referral or walk-in (our Court and Support Navigators are co-located in RCMP Detachments).
2 | Is there a cost for services?
There is no cost to clients for any of our services or programs.
3 | How do I know if I am eligible for victim services?
If you have been the victim of crime, contact our office and our staff will be able to let you know if you are eligible for our services. If we are unable to assist you, we will provide you with a referral to a more appropriate service provide.
4 | Do you offer counselling services?
We do not offer counselling services, however we will help you navigate to the correct resources.
5 | I have not reported to police, do I require a referral or can I self-refer?
Contact our office and we will be able to give you an appropriate answer based on your particular circumstances.
6 | Why does my criminal court matter keep getting adjourned (put to a new date)?
Court can be a lengthy process. As a victim, it can be frustrating when your court case keeps getting adjourned or put over to a new date. Moving forward and healing becomes difficult when you are constantly reminded of the crime. In Canada, anyone who is charged with a crime (the accused) has a number of rights that the system must respect. This includes the right to have a lawyer and to know what the evidence is against them. The most common reasons court dates are adjourned include: - The accused needs more time to hire a lawyer or apply for Legal Aid - The accused and their lawyer need time to receive and review the evidence (also referred to as disclosure) - There are ongoing discussions between the Crown prosecutor and the accused's lawyer about a possible resolution - They are setting a date for a trial, decision, or sentencing that works with everyone's schedule You do not have to attend court unless you receive a subpoena (most often this would be for trial). Instead, your local Victim Services Unit should be able to keep you updated on what is happening in court. If you have questions around the court process or your court matter, call or contact the Eastern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society.
7 | What is an Emergency Protection Order (EPO)?
An EPO is an order that instructs an individual that they are to have no contact with a specific person or persons. An EPO is granted in emergency situations where the safety of one or more individuals is at risk. They are available when violence or threats occur between family members. You can apply for an EPO at any courthouse with a judge present. A judge will hear the application and then decide whether or not to grant the EPO. If granted, the police will serve the EPO to the accused and that person will have conditions and orders to not contact you. Once served, if they contact you, they can be charged with breach of an Emergency Protection Order. A review date will be set for 10 days later, when the accused will have a chance to respond. From there an extension may be granted if needed. If an extension is granted, the no contact conditions will continue for the entire length of the new order. For more information on Emergency Protection Orders, contact your nearest EPO office: In the Edmonton area phone 1-780-422-9222 In all other areas of Alberta call 1-866-845-3425
8 | What is a restraining order?
A restraining order (RO) is an order that instructs an individual to have no contact with a specific person. The length of time ranges from 3 months to permanent. A Restraining Order is applied for through the King's Bench Court, and if granted, you must find someone to serve the Restraining Order. Police will only serve an Emergency Protection Order (EPO). If the accused contacts you after the order is served, they can be arrested and charged for breaching the order.
9 | What is a Victim Impact Statement (VIS)?
- A VIS is a written statement that describes the physical or emotion harm, property damage, or economic loss that a victim of an offence has suffered. - Submitting a VIS is completely voluntary. - If an accused is found guilty or pleads guilty, the VIS must be taken into consideration by the judge during the sentencing hearing. - If you would like more information about VISs or are interested in submitting one, please reach out to our office.
10 | Do I have to attend court?
- Some cases will be resolved without a victim needing to attend court, while others may require a victim to testify about what happened. - You are only required to attend court if you receive a subpoena. A subpoena is a court order that requires someone to attend court. - Our office will keep you up to date and will support you through the process of testifying, if required.
11 | What is a restitution order?
- A restitution order requires an offender to pay the victim for financial losses the victim suffered because of the offender's crime. When a request for restitution is made, the judge must consider making an order during the sentencing hearing. - To request restitution, you will be required to fill out a Statement of Restitution form with the amount of money you are requesting and attach any receipts to the form.
12 | As a victim of crime, can I drop the charges?
- No, a victim cannot have the charges dropped because the victim did not lay the charges. Police make the decision to lay charges or not. The Crown prosecutor decides whether to proceed with the prosecution or not. - However, we work closely with the Crown prosecutor and can provide your wishes to them for consideration.
13 | As a victim of crime, do I need a lawyer?
No. For regular court matters, victims do not need a lawyer. As you are not the party laying charges against the accused, you do not need a lawyer to go to court for you. The file becomes the responsibility of the Crown Prosecutor's office and they decide how to move forward with the file. You are a witness for the Crown.