We help by providing necessary support, information, and referrals on a case by case basis. Some of the information we can help with is listed below.

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Financial benefits

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Victims of crime can get a monetary benefit to acknowledge victimization, based on serious injuries directly suffered from the crime.

• Serious injury benefit – for victims who are seriously injured as a direct result of crime, who require assistance to perform daily functions

• Death benefit – reimbursement of funeral costs for victims who died as a result of violent crime

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Emergency Assistance

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Victims of crime can get financial assistance to assist with emergency safety and security expenses, court attendance expenses, as well as access to psychological supports for injuries suffered from the crime.

• Emergency assistance – financial assistance following a violent crime to assist with safety and security-related losses and damages

• Court attendance expenses – reimbursement for expenses related to court attendance for specified events, such as sentencing or providing a victim impact statement

• Counselling – immediate access to short-term supports to assist in dealing with the psychological impacts related to specified Criminal Code offences

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For information on eligibility, 'How to apply' and for updated forms for Financial Benefits and Emergency Assistance please visit https://www.alberta.ca/help-for-victims-of-crime.aspx

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Restitution Orders​

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What is a restitution order?

A restitution order requires the offender to pay the victim for financial losses the victim suffered because of the offender’s crime. Restitution can only be ordered for losses up to the time the offender is sentenced. It is part of an offender’s sentence and can be a stand-alone order or part of a probation order or conditional sentence.

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For more information on Restitution, CLICK HERE

For the Statement on Restitution, CLICK HERE 

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Victim Impact Statement

 

What is a Victim Impact Statement?

 

Under provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a Victim Impact Statement allows you to express in writing to a judge how being a victim of crime has affected you and those close to you. The purpose of the Victim Impact Statement is to describe how the crime has affected you emotionally and physically and the effect it has had on your life. If charges are laid, and if the accused person is found guilty, your Victim Impact Statement will be considered by the Judge during sentencing.

 

How do I prepare a Victim Impact Statement?

 

Victim Impact Statement forms are available from police and the Innisfail and District Victim Services Society. The Victim Impact Statement is to be written in your own words, and describe how you have been affected by the crime.

 

Can someone help me prepare my Victim Impact Statement?

 

Yes. Innisfail and District Victim Services Society can provide you with information about:

 

• What kind of information is appropriate to include in your Victim Impact Statement

• Where to submit the Victim Impact Statement when it is completed

 

How and when will my Victim Impact Statement be used?

 

After a finding of guilt and before the offender is sentenced, your Victim Impact Statement will be provided to the Court. The Victim Impact Statement will be considered by the Judge at the time the offender is sentenced. The Judge, the Crown Prosecutor, the defence lawyer and the offender will receive copies of your Victim Impact Statement. At the sentencing hearing, you may be cross-examined on the contents of your Victim Impact Statement. Please note that sentencing can occur at any time. For example, if an accused person pleads guilty, sentencing could occur on short notice. In order for a Victim Impact Statement to be considered in these circumstances, it should be at the courthouse as soon as possible. If the offender is sentenced to probation or jail, your Victim Impact Statement will be provided to provincial or federal correctional authorities and the National Parole Board. You may also be able to read your Victim Impact Statement at National Parole Board hearings. If you require further information, contact the National Parole Board toll-free at 1-888-616-5277. If the accused person is found “Not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder,” your Victim Impact Statement will be provided to the Alberta Review Board.

 

For information on the Victim Impact Statement CLICK HERE.

For the Victim Impact Statement form, CLICK HERE.

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Community Victim Impact Statement

 

For information on the Community Victim Impact Statement, CLICK HERE.

For the Community Victim Impact Statement form, CLICK HERE.

 

Victims of Crime Protocol

 

This booklet, published by the Victims Services Branch, Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security, explains what happens after a crime is reported to the police, and what standard of service you can expect in your contact with the criminal justice system.

The criminal justice system includes police services, victim services, the medical examiner, Crown prosecutors, court services, the judiciary and correctional services.

 

To the Victims of Crime Protocol book, CLICK HERE.