For victims of crime
Last reviewed September 2024 by the Clicklaw editors
In British Columbia, a victim of crime is entitled to various legal rights and support. Learn how to protect yourself and get help if you want to report a crime, like stalking, or if you’re asked to go to court.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Click on a topic to see a list of resources.
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Crime Victim Assistance Program
Government of British Columbia
If you’ve been the victim of a violent crime, you may be entitled to financial assistance to offset financial losses and help with recovery. The Crime Victim Assistance Program helps victims, immediate family members, and some witnesses to help with the effects of violent crime.
Last reviewed March 2024
Parole Board of Canada: Victims and the Parole Process (videos)
Parole Board of Canada
These videos show victims how a parole hearing works, how to access information about the offender, and how to attend a hearing or present a statement.
Last reviewed March 2024
Court Support for Victims of Crime
Government of British Columbia
Explains the court support and information available to victims of crime in BC, including victim service workers, the Victim Court Support Program, help with preparing a Victim Impact Statement, financial help if you must travel to attend your court case, and more.
Last reviewed August 2024
Parole Board — Publications and Forms
Parole Board of Canada
The Parole Board of Canada is an independent group that makes decisions about early release, record suspensions, and clemency. They help reintegrate offenders into society while focusing on public safety. Includes information for victims of crime.
Last reviewed September 2024
Solution Explorer: Intimate Images
Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT)
This free and anonymous tool is for those who’d like to make a claim for an intimate image protection order, damages, and a penalty if someone doesn’t comply with an intimate image protection order. It asks you simple questions and gives you customized legal information and options based on your answers. It also has self-help tools and referrals.
Last reviewed October 2024
Technology-Facilitated Violence: Preserving Digital Evidence Toolkit
BC Society of Transition Houses
This guide helps women and anti-violence workers preserve digital evidence in situations involving technology-facilitated violence against women. It includes the laws and best practices, tech-specific guides, info on courts, legal options for self-represented litigants, and tech-safety resources.
Last reviewed March 2024
Sexual Assault
Government of British Columbia
Find the help available if you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault. Sexual assault is any sexual contact that happens without the consent of both people. It can range from unwanted sexual touching to forced sexual intercourse.
Last reviewed August 2024
Victim Notification — the Victim Safety Unit
Government of British Columbia
If you’re a victim of crime in BC, you can register for the BC government’s victim notification service, which gives you information about the accused or offender. Find out how to register, and what information you may receive.
Last reviewed August 2024
For Your Protection: Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders
Legal Aid BC
This booklet is for people living in BC who need protection from a partner they are ― or have been ― in an intimate relationship with. Explains how and when people can get peace bonds and family law protection orders, and what the differences are between them.
Last reviewed March 2024
Domestic Violence
Government of British Columbia
Describes the different forms of domestic violence, and links to the help available for victims of domestic violence, including a resource list and help line numbers. Also find tips and resources for people in abusive relationships, information about peace bonds and protection orders, and information about counselling for children.
Last reviewed August 2024
For Your Protection: Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders
Legal Aid BC
This booklet is for people living in BC who need protection from a partner they are ― or have been ― in an intimate relationship with. Explains how and when people can get peace bonds and family law protection orders, and what the differences are between them.
Last reviewed March 2024
Help Starts Here: Information on Stalking (Criminal Harassment)
Government of British Columbia
Criminal harassment is not a sign of love; it’s about power and control. It’s abuse. There are steps you can take to increase your safety at home, at work, and on transit. This guide provides information on what a peace bond does and how to get one.
Last reviewed March 2024
Stalking Is a Crime Called Criminal Harassment
Government of Canada
Explains what type of behaviour counts as criminal harassment and what steps you can take to protect yourself. It also includes a list of local or provincial agencies that can offer support or helpful information.
Last reviewed March 2024
Teen Digital Dating Violence Toolkit
BC Society of Transition Houses
This toolkit provides anti-violence workers and caregivers supporting teens through their experiences of digital dating violence with information, tips, handouts, and resources. Includes info to help better understand the legal causes of action related to experiences of teen digital dating violence.
Last reviewed March 2024
Youth Help and Support
Government of British Columbia
This page guides you to information, services, and resources available for children and youth who are victims or witnesses.
Last reviewed August 2024
Child or Young Victim
Explains the help available for children who are victims of crime. This includes agencies that can help and the PEACE (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling and Empowerment) programs which provide group and individual counselling for children aged three to eighteen.
Last reviewed August 2024
Publications for Victims of Crime
Government of British Columbia
Links to publications that can help victims, including information on specific crimes (in English, Chinese, Punjabi, and French) and on the restitution program. It also links to information about peace bonds and protection orders, victims’ rights, the Crime Victim Assistance Program, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
LSLAP Manual: Victims
Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
This chapter is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It contains an overview of the support, resources, and legal options that are available to victims of crime.
Last reviewed September 2024
If You Are a Victim of a Crime
Government of British Columbia
Information and guidance to support victims of crime in BC. Find the services and people who can help you deal with the emotional, physical and financial effects of a crime.
Last reviewed August 2024