Youth Victims Of Crime

Programs and Services for Youth Victims of Crime

What Programs or Services are Available for Youth Victims?

Victim Services Programs: Many victims participate in the criminal justice system as witnesses. Youth witnesses in particular need special support to get through the process.  Provincial Victim Services Programs can help victims who report a crime to the police. Victim Services has offices around the province. Some police forces have their own victim/witness units to help victims.

In New Brunswick, Victim Services include:

• Supporting victims who are witnesses before, during, and after court appearances
• Helping victims prepare Victim Impact Statements
• Assisting victims of violent crime apply for compensation
• Referring victims to trauma and short-term counselling
• Giving victims information about the offender and correctional programs
• Connecting victims with a trained, supportive volunteer to accompany them to court

Community Services: Not all victims call the police.  Some turn to resources in the community such as transition houses, toll-free help lines, counselling, sexual assault or crisis centres and other anonymous services.  Check your telephone directory to see what kinds of services are available in your area.

How Else Can Victims Participate in the Justice System?

Traditionally, victims have had a limited role in the criminal justice system. This concerns some victims.  At the end of the process it often seems that the courts have done little to restore peace in the community. As a result, many victims feel that the courts are not necessarily the best place to deal with non-violent offences, especially young persons involved in minor crimes and first offences. In such cases, victims often like to take part in a less formal process that tries to repair the harm done. They would like to see the offender accept responsibility and make amends for the damage and suffering caused. Out-of-court measures and programs offer less formal ways for victims to meet with the offender, tell their story, and work out repayment or other meaningful methods for the young person to set things right.  This approach is known as “restorative justice.”