Individuals who suffer harm at the hands of a criminal offender are victims. They suffer all types of injuries, and are burdened by the financial stress of maintaining the same lifestyle as before the unexpected, traumatic event in their lives. Only a few decades ago, these victims were rarely financially compensated for their pain and suffering, and many had to pay out of their pocket for different types of expenses.
As a result, the Compensation for Victims of Crime Act created the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in 1971. This Board is an administrative tribunal. Through this Board, the provincial government created a fund, and the victims of a violent crime can now make an application to receive compensation for pain and suffering, loss of income and different expenses, such as treatment expenses. Violent crimes include physical, sexual or domestic assaults, firearm offences and also assaults while trying to prevent a crime. Since 2000, amendments were made to the Act to improve the victim’s ability to access the program, and to increase awards. The following attachment is a copy of the Board’s 38th Annual Report, 2012-2013, outlining some interesting statistics.
Anyone who is a victim and has been injured as a result of a violent crime can submit an application. The victim could be compensated for any physical or psychological/emotional harm they may have suffered. Compensation may be awarded even if the criminal offender has not been prosecuted or convicted of the offence. If a person died as a result of a violent crime, any family members that were dependant on the deceased person or who paid expenses as a result of the death, can make an application to the Board.
Jennifer Kelly and Marc Laroche, from Girones Lawyers, actively act for victims of crimes, assisting individuals with applications and hearings before the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board. They provide assistance at every stage of the process, to make the process easier and more comprehensible for the victim. Call and book an appointment with them at 1-800-569-1673 or contact them through email at jkelly@girones.ca. / mlaroche@girones.ca
