Ontario. Ministry of the Attorney General - Toronto - Superior Court of Justice - Victim / Witness Assistance Program, Toronto, Superior Court of Justice

Organization:

Phone Numbers:

416-212-2705

Toll-Free:

1-844-640-3596

Fax:

289-319-3279

Website:

www.ontario.ca/page/victimwitness-assistance-program

Address:

361 University Ave Rm 514
Toronto, ON
M5G 1Y1

Location:

Cross street: University Ave and Dundas St W

Accessibility Notes:

Wheelchair accessible automatic main entrance ; Easy access to elevator - voice/tone features, lowered buttons ; Barrier-free washroom including door and stall ; assistance required to access office

Hours:

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm

Service Description:

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

Fees:

None

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

Eligibility / Target Population:

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

Area Served:

Durham West, East York, Etobicoke, North Etobicoke, Malton, West Woodbridge, North York, Scarborough, Scarborough North, Scarborough South, South Etobicoke, Toronto, York - Toronto