Federal Government Provides Funding for Online Network for Victims of Crime

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 7, 2014) - Justice Canada

Today, Justice Minister Peter MacKay announced funding of $200,000 for the Victims Justice Network to establish an online network for victims of crime, criminal justice professionals, and others who directly serve victims.

The primary goal of the online network is to provide victims of crime with services and information, including information on victim service providers, criminal justice supports, legal assistance and education, and health care and mental supports. The online network will also offer educational resources on emerging victim issues and will emphasize collaboration and partnerships between professionals from different sectors to increase the scope of resources available to assist and support victims of crime.

This funding announcement is in keeping with the Government's Plan for Safe Streets and Communities and with the 2013 Speech from the Throne commitment to introduce measures that will increase support for victims of crime.

Quick Facts

• Funding will be provided to the Victims Justice Network as follows:
  
  • 2014-15: $75,000.00
    
  • 2015-16: $72,333.00
    
  • 2016-17: $52,667.00

Total: $200,000

• The funding is being provided through the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund. The Victims Fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that:
  
  • encourage the development of new approaches;
    
  • promote access to justice;
    
  • improve the capacity of service providers;
    
  • foster the establishment of referral networks; or
    
  • increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families.

Quotes

"Our Government is committed to ensuring that victims of crime are treated with the courtesy, compassion and respect they deserve. This funding will help the Victim Justice Network develop a new, innovative approach that will encourage collaboration across sectors to ensure that victims of crime get the services and support they need to navigate the criminal justice system and heal from the damage caused by the crimes committed against them."

Peter MacKay, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

"The Victim Justice Network is pleased to be receiving funding from the Department of Justice. This funding will help us build a partnership-based network that will provide information and support to victims of crime, service providers and criminal justice professionals. By creating new partnerships and promoting public awareness and outreach, we can help improve how victimization in Canada is addressed."

Priscilla de Villiers, Executive Director, Victim Justice Network

Related Products

• Backgrounder: Federal Victims Strategy and Victims Fund

Associated Links

• Department of Justice Canada's Policy Centre for Victim Issues

• Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund

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Backgrounder

Federal Victims Strategy and Victims Fund

The Federal Victims Strategy was created in 2007 and made permanent in 2011. The objective of the Strategy, which is led by the Department of Justice Canada, is to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system. The Department of Justice works in close collaboration with other federal institutions, as well as victims, victim advocates, provincial and territorial governments, service providers, and others involved in the criminal justice system. The Department of Justice develops policy and criminal law reform, funds various programs to meet the needs of victims of crime, explores best practices to address victims' needs, and raises awareness about the concerns of victims of crime and their role in the criminal justice system.

Within the Federal Victims Strategy, the Victims Fund is a grants and contributions program administered by the Department of Justice. Funds are available each year to provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations whose projects, activities and operations support the objectives of the Federal Victims Strategy.

The Victims Fund provides funding to projects and activities that:

• Enhance victim assistance programs across Canada;
  
• Promote access to justice and participation in the justice system and the development of laws, policies, and programs;
  
• Promote the implementation of principles, guidelines, and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate their role in the criminal justice system;
  
• Contribute to increased knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs, and legislation; and
  
• Promote, encourage and/or enhance governmental and non-governmental organizations' involvement in the identification of victims' needs and gaps in services, as well as in the development and delivery of programs, services and assistance to victims, including capacity building within non-governmental organizations.

More information is available on the Department of Justice Canada's website.