Victims of Crime and the Justice System in Ontario: An Issues Paper

Alison Hatch Cunningham(1994)

This paper identified the pertinent victim-centred issues with respect to victims of crime in Ontario, with specific reference to the federal correctional and paroling agencies. The goal was to describe the broad concerns of crime victims, and those who work with crime victims, and translate those general concerns into specific recommendations viable for use in Ontario. To isolate the issues of greatest relevance, key stakeholders within the federal and the Ontario governments were contacted. This was followed by discussions with representatives of victim advocacy groups and/or a consideration of the documentation available from these groups, as well as discussions with a number of people who provide victim services.

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
GOALS OF THE PAPER
OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS FROM THE CONSULTATION
- General Observations
- Overview of Opinions of Groups Consulted
- Implementation of the CCRA Victim Provisions
- Policing and Victim Issues
- Victim Issues in Ontario
- Strategies Suggested for Use in the Ontario Region
BACKGROUND
- Programs for Victims of Crime
  - Provincial Programs
  - Victim Fine Surcharge
  - Consultation on General Issues
  - Consultation on CSC/NPB Mandates
  - Implications for SGC/CSC/NPB
- Historical Context of Victim-Centred Reforms
  - Lessons to be Learned from the American Experience
  - Canadian Developments
  - Implications for SGC/CSC/NPB
- Community-Based Policing and Victims
  - Victim Crisis and Referral Services
  - Implications for SGC/CSC/NPB
- Profile of the Victims of Federal Offenders
  - Federal Admissions
  - On-Register Inmates
  - Victims Contacting CSC/NPB
  - Characteristics of Federal Victims
  - Implications for SGC/CSC/NPB
VICTIM ISSUES IN THE ONTARIO REGION
- Access to Services
  - Geographical Remoteness
  - Financial Barriers
  - Cultural and Linguistic Diversity
  - Literacy
  - Barriers to the Physically Disabled
  - Intimidation and Fear
  - Resource Constraints
- Proactive Versus Reactive Contact with Victims
  - Western Region Pilot Project with Proactive Victim Contact
  - London Area Family Violence Information Package
- Intra-familial Violence
  - Family Violence Initiative (Ontario Region)
- Aboriginal Victims
  - Ontario Native Council on Justice Position on Victim Services
- Accountability
- Privacy and Sharing of Information
- Impact of Victim Participation on Offender Rights
SUGGESTED STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS VICTIM ISSUES
- Short-Term Strategies
  - Research
  - Proactive Contact with Targeted Victims
  - The Role of Local Area Offices
  - Definition of "Victim"
  - Volunteers
  - Toll-Free Number
  - Revision of Pamphlet Material
  - Protocols between CSC/NPB and Children's Aid Societies
  - Federal/Provincial Negotiation on Information Sharing
  - Deployment of Staff
  - Decision Registry
  - Aboriginal Victim Services
- Long-Term Strategies
  - Dedicated Victim Liaison Officers
  - Avenues for Complaint and Redress
  - Centralized Resource Centre
- Operational and Training Issues
- Legislative Issues
  - Victims of Young Offenders
  - Judicial Review
  - Allocution at Parole Hearings
CONCLUSION
APPENDIX A: Current Laws Affecting Victims in the Criminal Justice System
APPENDIX B: Individuals and Agencies Consulted
APPENDIX C: Historical Review of Victim-Centred Reforms
APPENDIX D: Positions of Private-Sector and Professional Groups and of Provincial Opposition Parties
APPENDIX E: Provincial Government and Private-Sector Services for Victims of Crime in Ontario
APPENDIX F: Chronological Review of Victims' Initiatives in Canada and Ontario
APPENDIX G: Available Information on Victims of Crime in Ontario