Multi-Site Survey of Victims of Crime and Criminal Justice Professionals across Canada: Summary of Victims of Crime Respondents: Summary of Victims of Crime Respondents

3. Findings from the Victims of Crime Respondents (cont'd)

3. Findings from the Victims of Crime Respondents

3.2 Services Received by Victims (cont'd)

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[2]. 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.

As seen in Table 12, 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.

TABLE 12: BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD BE THE BEST WAY TO HELP VICTIMS FIND THE ASSISTANCE THEY NEED? - BASE: VICTIMS WHO RECEIVED VICTIM SERVICES (n=99)
Best ways to help victims find assistance they need Victims (N = 112)
# %
In person 56 50%
Telephone 44 39%
Brochure 39 35%
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 consent or after a reasonable period of time has passed without hearing from the victim. The remaining victims did not express a preference.

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) also were asked to estimate the time between reporting the crime and receiving assistance. Overall, about one-fifth 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 13 provides the waiting periods for victim services.

TABLE 13: LENGTH OF TIME UNTIL RECEIPT OF ASSISTANCE - BASE: VICTIMS WHO PROVIDED THIS INFORMATION (n=105)
Source of assistance 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 0 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 0 3 0
System-based victim services 1 1 1 1 0 7 6 2
Total 16 13 6 12 13 20 16 9

Information Received by Victims

There were 102 victims involved in a case where the accused was charged. These victims were asked what information they received during their involvement with the criminal justice system, who provided it, and whether they received it in person, by telephone, or in writing. They also were asked to provide feedback on each of these. These results are discussed in more detail below.

General Information about the Justice System

Victims who were involved in a case where the accused was charged (n=102) were asked whether they were informed about their role in court as witness; about the role of the Crown Attorney in handling the case and the Crown Attorney's relationship with them; and about the criminal justice system in general. Seventy percent were told about their role in court as a witness, while about two-thirds (64%) were told about the role of the Crown Attorney, and just over one half (57%) were told about the criminal justice process in general. Table 14a provides details.

TABLE 14 A: TYPES OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VICTIMS WHERE THE ACCUSED WAS CHARGED - BASE: CASES IN WHICH ACCUSED WAS CHARGED (n=102)
Information received where accused was charged Number of victims who received information Percent who received information
The Criminal justice process in general 58 57%
Victim's role in court as a witness 71 70%
Crown Attorney's role 65 64%

Victim services were the main source of information at this stage of the process; more than three-quarters of victims reported that victim services personnel informed them about their role as a witness and about the criminal justice process in general. Victim services also provided information about the Crown Attorney's role in about two-thirds of cases, although in just over one-third of cases, the Crown Attorney handling the case provided this information. Almost all victims were informed in person.

A small proportion of victims who received general information about the criminal justice system were critical of the information they received. About one-tenth reported that they received only minimal information and would have liked to receive more. A few said that the information they were given was vague or inaccurate. Another one-tenth said that they were informed too late or received information only as court proceedings were unfolding, the unpredictability of which they found stressful.

Information about Bail

Victims who were involved in a case where charges were laid (n=102) were also asked several questions about the information they received about bail. Two-thirds reported that they were told whether the accused was released on bail. In cases where bail was granted (n=83), just over half of victims were informed about when the accused was released (55%) and about conditions of release (57%). Table 14b provides details.

TABLE 14 B: TYPES OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VICTIMS WHERE BAIL WAS GRANTED - BASE: CASES IN WHICH BAIL WAS GRANTED (n=83)
Information received about bail Number of victims who received information Percent who received information
When accused was released on bail 46 55%
Conditions of bail 47 57%

Police were the main source of information about bail; they provided information about whether, and when, the accused was released in over half of cases, and information about conditions of release in more than 60% of cases. Victim services provided this information in approximately one-third of cases. Information about bail was relayed to victims by telephone in about 60% of cases.

Approximately one-tenth of victims reported that although they received information about bail, they had to take the initiative to call the police, the court, or the Crown Attorney to request it. A few said that the information they received was insufficient or incomplete (for example, one victim reported having been told about conditions but not what an undertaking was; another said that the reason for the release of the accused was not explained). A small number found out about the accused's release through the news media or through friends or family members, and two reported that they were given information only after the release of the accused.

Information about Pleas

Victims who were involved in a case where charges were laid (n=102) were also asked about the information they received with respect to pleas. About 60% reported having been told whether the accused pleaded guilty; this information was equally likely to have come from the Crown Attorney, the police, and victim services, and was provided by telephone and in person in about 40% and 33% of cases, respectively.

Of the 42 cases where agreements were made with the accused to plead guilty, half of the victims (n=21 or 50%) reported having been told of these agreements. The Crown Attorney was the most frequent source of information about plea agreements (n=9), followed by police (n=7) and victim services (n=6). A small number of victims were present in court at the time the guilty plea was entered or said that they were informed that the accused would plead guilty just prior to what would have been their own testimony in court.

Information about the Trial

Victims who were involved in a case that went to trial (n=36) were asked several questions about the information they received about the trial. With three exceptions, all were told whether there was a trial and about important trial dates. About two-thirds were told about changes in trial dates and received updates on their case, while all but seven said that they were told the outcome of their case. Table 14c provides details.

TABLE 14 C: TYPES OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VICTIMS WHERE THE CASE WENT TO TRIAL - BASE: CASES WHICH WENT TO TRIAL (n=36)
Information received about trial Number of victims who received information Percent receiving information
Whether there was a trial 33 92%
Important trial dates 33 92%
Changes in trial dates 23 64%
Updates on the case 22 61%
Outcome of the case 29 81%

Victim services were the main source of information about trials, followed by the Crown Attorney; these two agencies provided this information in about 60% and 20% of cases, respectively, with the exception of information about the trial outcome. Information about the outcome of the trial was provided by victim services in almost half of cases. However, almost as many victims found out about the outcome of the trial because they were present in court at the time of the disposition. A small number of victims received trial information through the police, through a subpoena, or through the court registry. Information was provided by telephone in about 60% of cases and in person in about 20%.

Information about Sentencing

Victims involved in a case where the accused pleaded guilty or was convicted (n=72) were asked several questions about the information they received about sentencing. The majority reported that they were informed about the date of the sentencing hearing (78%) and about the sentence (83%). Table 14d provides details. In cases where the offender received probation (n=40), 83% of victims said that they were told whether conditions were placed on the offender.

TABLE 14 D: TYPES OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VICTIMS WHERE THE ACCUSED WAS SENTENCED - BASE: CASES IN WHICH THE ACCUSED RECEIVED A SENTENCE (n=72)
Information About Sentence: Number of Victims Receiving Information Percent of Victims Receiving Information
Date of sentencing hearing 56 78%
The sentence 60 83%

In over half of the cases, victim services provided information about the date of the sentencing hearing; in about one-third of the cases, victims learned the date of the hearing because they were present in court. With respect to the sentence itself, about half of the victims were present in court at the time the offender was sentenced, whereas victim services provided this information in about one-third of cases. In cases where the offender received probation, victims were most likely to have been informed about conditions by victim services, although almost as many found out in court. For all three pieces of sentencing information, victims who were not in court were about equally as likely to receive the information in person as by telephone. Two reported that they learned about the sentence in the media.

Information about the Offender's Incarceration

Victims involved in a case where the offender was sentenced to jail time (n=33) were asked several questions about the information they received about the incarceration. Fifty-eight percent said that they were told where the offender was incarcerated. Two-thirds (67%) were told the date the sentence began, and 82% were told the length of the sentence. Table 14e provides details. In cases where the offender was moved (n=28), 43% were told the offender's new location.

TABLE 14 E: TYPES OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VICTIMS WHERE THE ACCUSED WAS INCARCERATED - BASE: CASES IN WHICH THE ACCUSED WAS INCARCERATED (n=33)
Information About Incarceration: Number of Victims Receiving Information Percent of Victims Receiving Information
Where offender was incarcerated (if incarcerated) 19 58%
Date sentence began 22 67%
Length of sentence 27 82%

Victims reported receiving information about the offender's incarceration from a variety of sources. Information on where the offender was incarcerated was most often provided by victim services, but several victims received this information from other sources, such as the police, the Crown Attorney, or the victim liaison coordinator at the correctional institution; a few found out in court. In most instances where the offender was moved and victims were informed about the relocation, a victim liaison coordinator provided the information.

Victims most frequently learned about the date the sentence began and the length of the sentence because they were present in court at the sentencing hearing. However, a few found out from other sources, such as victim services, the Crown Attorney, the police, or a victim liaison coordinator. Except for those who were present in court, most received information about the offender's incarceration by telephone.

Information about Parole

Of the 25 victims who were involved in a case where the offender was eligible for parole, 11 (44%) received information about the offender's parole eligibility. Of those who were involved in a case where a parole hearing had been set or had already occurred (n=20), one-third were informed about the dates of the hearing. In instances where parole had been granted (n=18), eight (44%) victims were informed about release dates; six (33%) were informed about conditions imposed on release; and five (28%) were informed about the offender's destination on release. Table 14f provides details.

TABLE 14 F: TYPES OF INFORMATION RECEIVED BY VICTIMS ABOUT THE OFFENDER'S PAROLE CONDITIONS - BASE: CASES IN WHICH THE ACCUSED RECEIVED PAROLE (n=18)
Information on Parole Conditions: Number of Victims Receiving Information Percent of Victims Receiving Information
Release date 8 44%
Conditions imposed on release 6 33%
Destination of offender on release 5 28%

Information about parole came from either the victim liaison coordinator at the correctional institution, the victim liaison coordinator attached to the local parole office, or the National Parole Board. The information was provided either by telephone or via a personal letter.

Overall Satisfaction with Information Provided and Suggestions for Improvement

All victim respondents were asked about their overall satisfaction with the way in which information was provided to them. Just over 60% agreed that, in general, they received a sufficient amount and type of information and that they received the information in a timely manner.

Several singled out victim services or police as being particularly helpful in providing information. A few victims said that Crown Attorneys were helpful, and just as many said that Crown Attorneys were unhelpful. Those who were dissatisfied, most often explained that the information was limited, inaccurate, or confusing. Other sources of dissatisfaction included having to initiate contact with a criminal justice professional or seek out information on their own and receiving inconsistent information because of turnover in the investigating officer, Crown Attorney, or victim services worker dealing with the case.

Victims were also asked how the provision of information could be improved. The most common suggestion was regular contact and follow-up by police and Crown Attorneys to keep victims abreast of developments. Another common suggestion was that information be provided by a single source (such as a designated victim advocate or liaison) throughout the entire criminal justice process; some victims observed that receiving information from a variety of different sources often leads to confusion.

Other suggestions included providing information in a more timely manner; providing more information at the outset of the victim's involvement with the criminal justice system; and providing more detailed information or more information in print form. Several victims mentioned a need for counselling and public education.

As shown in Table 15 below, when asked what kinds of information victims of crime most want to receive, victims most often mentioned updates on the status of the police investigation and their court case (mentioned by over 40% of victims). One-third wanted information about the criminal justice system in general, while fewer than one-fifth mentioned each of: information about the accused; information about the victim services available to them; information about possible outcomes and case time lines; and information about safety protections for victims.

TABLE 15: BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION DO YOU THINK VICTIMS OF CRIME MOST WANT TO RECEIVE? - BASE: ALL VICTIM RESPONDENTS (N=112)
Information Victims Most Want to Receive: Victims (N=112)
Number Percent
Case updates or information on the status of investigation 49 44%
General information about the criminal justice system 37 33%
Information about the accused 19 17%
Information about available victim services 17 15%
Information about possible outcomes or time lines 15 13%
Information about safety protections for victims 12 11%
Information about victim rights or options 3 3%
Other 17 15%
Don't know or No response 9 8%

Note: Victims could provide more than one response; total sums to more than 100%.

Victims were divided on the best way by which to provide this information; approximately equal numbers prefer to receive it in person and by telephone. Fewer than one-fifth believe that a personal letter or brochure is the best method of providing the information.


[2] However, one victim wished that victim services had come to the hospital to provide her with information about available services.