Victim Services – Criminal Injuries Counselling Program

Individuals may receive counselling if they have been a victim of a violent criminal offence such as but not limited to physical assault, sexual assault, or robbery. The immediate family members of a homicide victim may also receive counselling. Counselling may also be awarded if an individual was personally injured while trying to stop someone from committing a crime.

To be eligible for the program, individuals must report the crime to police. Individuals must cooperate with police and other criminal justice officials in the investigation of the crime and the prosecution of the person responsible for the crime.

After an individual reports the crime to police, they should contact the nearest Provincial Victim Services office or the Criminal Injuries Counselling Program at the Victim Services head office for an application. Staff at Victim Services can also help individuals fill out the application. Generally, individuals must apply within 1 year of the crime. This 1 year filing requirement can be extended in certain circumstances.

Usually a decision will be made once the investigation of the crime is complete and program staff have received the police report. If an application for counselling is approved, individuals can choose from a list of approved counsellors. The counsellor will bill the program directly for the service provided. Fees for counselling services vary by counsellor. When an individual calls for their first appointment with a counsellor they should ask whether there will be a charge to them beyond the fee paid by the program.