Multi-Site Survey of Victims of Crime and Criminal Justice Professionals Across Canada
3. Experience of Victims in the Criminal Justice System (continued)
3. Experience of Victims in the Criminal Justice System (continued)
3.2 Services Received by Victims
Almost nine-tenths (88%) of victims received some form of assistance. Of the 13 victims (12%) who did not receive any type of assistance, six refused the services that were offered to them, five said that they were unaware of the services that were available (one had not reported the crime to police), and two were promised assistance but victim services never contacted them. Table 11 presents these results.
TABLE 11: DID YOU RECEIVE ANY VCTIM ASSISTANCE AS A RESULT OF THIS EXPERIENCE?
| Victims (N=112) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | |
| Yes | 99 | 88% |
| No | 13 | 12% |
| Victims (N=112) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | |
| Refused the services offered to them | 6 | 5% |
| Unaware of the services available | 5 | 5% |
| Promised services but were never contacted | 2 | 2% |
Note: Total does not sum to 100% due to rounding.
3.2.1 Nature of Assistance Received
A total of 99 victims received assistance from a variety of victim services organizations. About one-third reported receiving help from police-based victim services (36%) and another third from community-based victim services (31%). Just over one-quarter were assisted by court-based victim services and about one-fifth by system-based victim services (i.e., services delivered by the province to assist victims throughout their contact with the criminal justice system). Approximately one-fifth received medical assistance (e.g., from hospitals, clinics, private counsellors). As seen in Table 12 below, fewer victims used specialized victim services.
| Type of Victim Services: | Victims (n=99) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | |
| Police-based victim services | 36 | 36% |
| Community-based victim services | 31 | 31% |
| Court-based victim services | 28 | 28% |
| Medical assistance and/or counselling | 23 | 23% |
| System-based victim services | 21 | 21% |
| Specialized victim services for domestic violence | 13 | 13% |
| Victim compensation | 8 | 8% |
| Specialized victim services for sexual assault | 3 | 3% |
| Specialized victim services for children | 2 | 2% |
| Other | 2 | 2% |
- Note 1: Victims could provide more than one response; total sums to more than 100%.
- Note 2: Some victim services organizations are categorized as more than one type of service.
Victims were asked about the types of assistance they received. Most victims (84%) received information in areas such as the police investigation, court procedures, and court outcomes. About half reported receiving counselling (53%). Fewer (41%) had help with their victim impact statement. About one-quarter (27%) received medical assistance, and about one-fifth received crisis assistance after the crime (18%), or financial assistance (18%). Table 13 gives the complete results.
| Types of Assistance Received: | Victims (n=99) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | |
| Information (e.g., about police investigation, court procedures, outcomes) | 84 | 85% |
| Counselling | 52 | 53% |
| Witness support / court accompaniment | 52 | 53% |
| With preparing victim impact statement | 41 | 41% |
| Medical assistance | 27 | 27% |
| Crisis assistance immediately after the crime | 18 | 18% |
| Financial assistance | 18 | 18% |
| Referrals | 9 | 9% |
| Shelter | 7 | 7% |
| Emotional support | 6 | 6% |
| Compensation | 3 | 3% |
| Post-sentencing services | 2 | 2% |
| Other | 6 | 6% |
Note: Victims could provide more than one response; total sums to more than 100%.
When asked to identify what was most helpful about the assistance received, victims most often mentioned counselling and emotional support (36%). Victims believe that this support enabled them to get through the initial shock of the crime and to cope with the subsequent fear and trauma. Victims also said that it was important to have someone objective to talk to.
About a third (31%) of victims considered provision of information to be the most helpful type of assistance. Of these victims, 11 singled out receiving information about the criminal justice system as important. They noted that this information was comforting because it gave them some idea what to expect, and without this assistance, they would not have understood the court process. Eleven victims also mentioned that they appreciated receiving information about the case against their accused.
About a quarter of victims said that assistance received from victim services organizations generally was beneficial. These victims did not identify specific ways in which the services were helpful but, instead, reported that overall, they found the assistance useful. Others did comment on specific aspects of the services they received. Fourteen victims commented that witness support and court accompaniment gave them the confidence to proceed with the case and testify in court. Nine mentioned that they found the assistance with their victim impact statement helpful because they had trouble discussing the crime and they valued the instruction on what they could include in their statement.
Three or four victims mentioned each of the following types of assistance as being particularly beneficial: the assistance of shelters in providing a place to stay after the crime as well as emotional support; financial assistance through victim compensation funds; and assistance with establishing security measures so that they felt safe returning home. Six victims reported that they did not find any of the assistance useful. Table 14 provides the complete findings.
| Most Helpful Types of Assistance Received: | Victims (n=99) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | |
| Counselling | 36 | 36% |
| Information (e.g., about police investigation, court procedures, outcomes) | 31 | 31% |
| Victim services generally | 23 | 23% |
| Witness support / court accompaniment | 14 | 14% |
| With preparing victim impact statement | 9 | 9% |
| Shelter | 4 | 4% |
| Financial assistance or compensation | 3 | 3% |
| Assistance with security measures | 3 | 3% |
| Other | 4 | 4% |
| Nothing or was not much help | 6 | 6% |
| No response | 6 | 6% |
Note: Victims could provide more than one response; total sums to more than 100%.
3.2.2 Informing Victims about Services Available
How Victims were Informed
Victims relied on various referral sources to direct them to available services. Police were the most common source of referrals for all types of victim services. Other sources of referrals were Crown Attorneys, other victim services providers, community organizations, family or friends, and medical care providers. Several victims cited the service itself as the source of their referral. Table 15 presents the sources of referrals for each type of victim services organization.
| Source of Referrals: | Types of Victim Services Referred To | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police-based Victim Services (n=36) | Court-based Victim Services (n=28) | System-based Victim Services (n=21) | Community-based Victim Services (n=31) | |||||
| n | % | n | % | n | % | n | % | |
| Referred by police | 20 | 56% | 12 | 43% | 9 | 43% | 9 | 29% |
| Referred by Crown Attorney | 0 | -- | 6 | 21% | 1 | 5% | 2 | 6% |
| Referred by other victim services | 2 | 6% | 0 | -- | 3 | 14% | 5 | 16% |
| Referred by community organization | 1 | 3% | 0 | -- | 0 | -- | 3 | 10% |
| From service itself | 7 | 19% | 2 | 7% | 7 | 33% | 1 | 3% |
| Medical service provider | 1 | -- | 1 | 4% | 0 | -- | 6 | 19% |
| Family or friend or co-worker | 1 | 3% | 1 | 4% | 1 | 5% | 2 | 6% |
| Telephone book | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | 2 | 6% |
| Other | 2 | 4% | 4 | 14% | 1 | 5% | 3 | 10% |
| Don't know | 4 | 11% | 4 | 14% | 4 | 19% | 3 | 10% |
Note: Victims could provide more than one response; totals sum to more than 100%.
Fifty-eight organizations initiated contact with victims, and victims initiated contact with 47. System-based and police-based organizations were more likely to initiate contact with victims. About three-quarters of system-based organizations contacted the victim, and two-thirds of police-based victim services contacted the victim. Just over half of the court-based services initiated contact. In community-based victim services it was the victim who usually initiated the contact. Table 16 provides details.
| Police-based Victim Services (n=36) | Court-based Victim Services (n=28) | System-based Victim Services (n=21) | Community-based Victim Services (n=31) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n | % | n | % | n | % | n | % | |
| Victim services contacted victim | 23 | 64% | 16 | 57% | 15 | 71% | 4 | 13% |
| Victim initiated contact | 7 | 19% | 10 | 38% | 4 | 19% | 26 | 84% |
| Don't know | 6 | 17% | 2 | 7% | 2 | 10% | 1 | 3% |
When and How Victims Should be Informed
Victims were asked their opinions on how best to inform victims about available services. Three-quarters emphasized the importance of giving this information to victims as soon as the crime is reported because they need information during the initial stages of the criminal justice process. Several (n=6) cautioned that while victims need this information quickly, waiting until a few days after the crime provides victims with time to recover from the initial shock and become more receptive to receiving information.[8] A few (n=4) commented that the imperative for providing information about available services depends on the type of crime. These respondents believe that for major crimes, such as those that are violent and/or cause personal injuries, information provision should be immediate, but for property crimes or more minor crimes against the person, the need for information is not as urgent.
The most common preferred methods for receiving information was in person or by telephone. However, many wanted written materials because they could refer to this information later. Victims also emphasized the importance of follow-up.
As seen in Table 17, victims suggested many different methods of information provision. The most common suggestion was some form of oral communication, either in person or by telephone. These victims consider this form of contact more personal and preferable to written information, especially if language or literacy is an issue. However, many victims desired written materials, such as brochures or personal letters, because they could refer to this information later. Victims also emphasized the importance of follow-up. They explained that victims are in shock and overwhelmed after the crime and may have difficulty remembering what they were told or where they put written information.
| Best Way to Help Victims Find Assistance: | Victims (N=122) | |
|---|---|---|
| Number | Percent | |
| In person | 56 | 50% |
| Telephone | 44 | 39% |
| Brochure | 39 | 35% |
| Personal letter | 23 | 21% |
| Doesn't matter, any of these | 13 | 12% |
| Other | 4 | 4% |
| Don't know | 2 | 2% |
| No response | 2 | 2% |
Note: Victims could provide more than one response; total sums to more than 100%.
Victims provided additional comments on the best way to help victims find the assistance that they need. About one-quarter wanted to receive information from the police; however, several (n=12) preferred to receive the information directly from victim services. All of these victims emphasized that the victim of a crime should not have to look for available services. Several others (n=15) suggested that more public education and outreach about available victim services would assist victims. A few (n=4) pointed out that in certain situations, such as domestic violence, people have difficulty identifying themselves as victims and that public education would assist these individuals in coming forward and reporting crimes. The most common suggestion for public education and outreach was advertisements, especially on public transport and in places targeted to reach domestic violence victims, such as doctor's offices.
A few victims (n=4) suggested a victim liaison or advocate who would work outside of the government and would assist victims with navigating the criminal justice system. One person would be assigned to the victim and would ensure that the victim is kept apprised of the court case, understands the court procedures, and knows generally what to expect. These victims thought that it would be helpful if the victim advocate had been a victim at one time, as this would ensure both empathy and an understanding of the information that victims want and need.
Victims were asked whether they would prefer to have victim services contact them or to be given a telephone number for victim services, so that they can initiate the contact. About half said that they would prefer victim services to take the initiative and contact them directly. They noted that victims are often too traumatized or embarrassed to call and, therefore, may not receive help unless victim services contacts them. However, about a quarter of victims stated that they would prefer to contact victim services themselves because: it allows them to feel more in control and independent; they do not like being contacted by someone they do not know; and it is less stressful. Several victims (n=6) commented that the decision depends on the individual; some victims might not appreciate unsolicited contact. They suggested that both options be available to victims and that victim services only initiate contact with those who have given their consent or after a reasonable period of time has passed without hearing from the victim. The remaining victims did not express a preference.
3.2.3 Waiting Period for Services
About three-quarters of the victims who received victim services said that assistance was generally prompt. Almost one-fifth reported having to wait for services, and less than one-tenth said that the timeliness of the response depended on the service.
Victims were asked to specify how long it took to receive services, but because some initiated contact with victim services and victim services contacted others directly, slightly different questions were asked. Those who initiated contact with victim services (n=47) gave the time between making their request and receiving assistance. One-third reported receiving a response with assistance the same day; just over a quarter were helped between two and seven days; and about one-sixth (13%) waited more than a week. One-quarter could not remember the length of time it took to receive assistance.
Victims contacted by victim services (n=58) were also asked to estimate the time between reporting the crime and receiving assistance. Overall, about one-fifth of these victims received service the same day; one-third was helped between two and seven days; and another quarter waited more than a week. About one-sixth could not remember the length of time it took to receive assistance.
Response from community-based victim services was the quickest when the victim made the initial contact. However, police-based victim services were the quickest to respond when it was a services-based initial contact. Table 18 provides the waiting periods for victim services.
| Victim Initiated the Contact (n=47) | Service Initiated the Contact (n=58) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Same day | 2-7 days | More than 7 days | Don't know | Same day | 2-7 days | More than 7 days | Don't know | |
| Police-based Victim services | 3 | 3 | 1 | -- | 10 | 8 | 2 | 3 |
| Court-based Victim services | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 |
| Community-based Victim services | 10 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 1 | -- | 3 | -- |
| System-based Victim services | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -- | 7 | 6 | 2 |
| Total | 16 | 13 | 6 | 12 | 13 | 20 | 16 | 9 |
[8] However, one victim wished that victim services had come to the hospital to provide her with information about available services.
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