Victims' Rights in Canada: Information, Protection and Your Statement

The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (2015) gives victims of crime rights in the criminal justice system.

Your rights

• Information: about the criminal justice system, available services, the case's progress and outcome, and the offender's release in some cases.
• Protection: having your security and privacy considered, and asking for testimonial aids.
• Participation: sharing your views and presenting a victim impact statement.
• Restitution: asking the court to order the offender to pay for financial losses.

Victim impact statements

• A written statement about how the crime affected you: emotionally, physically and financially.
• Read or filed at sentencing.
• It shouldn't include comments about the offender or what sentence they should get, unless the court allows.

Support in Ontario

• Victim Services organizations in each region
• The Victim/Witness Assistance Program at courthouses
• Financial support programs for some victims of violent crime

Civil claims

Separately, you may be able to sue the offender for damages, or apply for restitution as part of the sentence.

Sources

• Canadian Victims Bill of Rights
• Ontario: victim services

Read next: Charged With Mischief: What It Means

General Ontario legal information, not legal advice for your matter, and reading it does not create a retainer. Sources checked 16 October 2026: check the current law, forms and dates before you act.

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This article is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.