Use a trauma and violence informed approach with all victims of sexual and domestic violence that includes: a focus on victim safety, establishing trust, using a sensitive, compassionate and non judgmental approach that demonstrates caring and understanding, and consideration of the impact of trauma on memory and the behavior of victims. Additional information under Trauma Informed Response.

After initial contact, V/WAP will advise victims to contact V/WAP office for information on the status of their cases,

Report as per ‘duty to report’ according to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act and work with local Child and Family Services (BGCFS), to ensure that assessment and possible treatment for a child victim is attained as soon as possible,

Provide copies of and review release conditions/undertakings, recognizance of bail, probation orders and peace bonds (public courts documents) with victims,

Provide information or appropriate referrals regarding safety planning and community resources (e.g. Victim Services, Victim Support Line, Legal Advice, etc.),

Provide assistance and emotional support to prepare victims/witnesses to give evidence (V/WAP staff will inform each victim that staff does not discuss evidence, and that staff has an obligation to disclose any information shared by victims that may be considered new information which may be relevant to the prosecution),

Provide victims with information on the criminal justice process and case-specific information,

Work with the Crown attorney to ensure that an assistant Crown attorney is assigned at the earliest opportunity (once the case is scheduled for a preliminary hearing of trial) and remains with the case until final disposition at trial whenever possible,

Work with the Crown attorney and/or police on the victims’ behalf regarding concerns about their cases, bail conditions or bail variations, preliminary hearings or trials, and the special needs of each victim, if requested to do so by the victims,

Encourage each victim to access an independent support person/agency throughout the justice process, including accessing Nawash; Health Centre and Saugeen Health and Kabaeshiwim Respite – Women’s Shelter to support victims and meet their identified cultural and other needs,

Collaborate with the Crown attorney to seek the victims’ input at various stages (such as bail hearings, bail reviews, bail variations, guilty pleas and sentencing hearings) and inform victims of the outcomes,

Provide risk assessment, referral to the High Risk Team, where appropriate, and safety planning as needed,

Provide information to PAR program re: Early Intervention clients’ court status when requested by PAR.

Inform victims of their right to complete a Victim/Impact Statement prior to sentencing, and provide assistance in completing the Victim/Impact Statement upon request,

Provide information regarding Criminal Injuries Compensation Board applications by referring victims to the toll-free 1-800-372-7463 number or website http://www.cicb.gov.on.ca to enable them to make an application,

Provide information about Statements on Restitution.