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Ontario. Ministry of the Attorney General - Victim/Witness Assistance Program

Record #: 75422930 |  Last Full Update: 15 Jun 2026

Description and Services
Description (Service)

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 - 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
Hours Court offices: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm * Counter service: Mon-Fri 9 am-11 am, 2 pm-4 pm * closed on statutory holidays
Eligibility 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
Languages English, French
Application 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
Location & Accessibility
Service Area Ottawa
Address

161 Elgin St
4th Fl
Ottawa, ON K2P 2K1
Canada

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Physical Access Fully Accessible
Contact Information
Office 613-239-1229
Fax 613-239-1473
Website https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-attorney-general
Social Media Twitter