The Crime Victim Assistance Program is administered by the Victim Services and Community Programs Division of the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. The program, which came into force June 30, 2002, replaces the Criminal Injury Compensation Program previously operated by the Workers’ Compensation Board.

The program is governed by the Crime Victim Assistance Act and the Regulations. Under the Act, victims injured as a result of certain crimes, immediate family members of an injured or deceased victim, and some witnesses may be eligible for financial assistance or benefits, such as:

• Medical and dental care
• Prescription drug expenses
• Vocational services
• Disability aids
• Income support
• Lost earning capacity
• Homemaker, childcare, or personal care
• Home or vehicle modification and related expenses
• Counseling
• Repair or replacement of some damaged or destroyed personal property items
• Protective measures (such as changed locks or home security systems)
• Transportation or travel expenses
• Funeral expenses
• Loss of parental guidance for a minor child
• Loss of earnings due to bereavement leave
• Crime scene cleaning

The Crime Victim Assistance Program has been developed in response to the changing needs of victims. When the Criminal Injury Compensation Program began in 1972, many victims, who were mostly male wage earners, were concerned about wage loss resulting from a crime. Today, many victims, especially women and children, need financial support as well as additional services and assistance to aid in their recovery from the physical and psychological effects of their victimization.

While the program does not cover injuries or loss sustained from motor vehicle accidents, injuries or loss sustained out of, or during the course of employment, claims for pain and suffering, and/or loss of personal property, the benefits offered through the Crime Victim Assistance Program will help victims and others recover from the effects of violent crime so that they may participate fully and safely in their communities.