Victim Information
Who Is a Victim?
A victim is any individual who, during a criminal act or traumatic event, suffers loss, injury, harm or trauma. Victims are also family members, dependents and witnesses.
The Reality of Crime & Tragedy
Grief
Grief is the painful experience of loss. It is the painful separation from someone or something we have loved very much, and it hurts deeply. Bereavement is the natural process of grief and morning. There are not short cuts to recovery. If you do not understand your grief, many physical and emotional difficulties may persist over a long period of time. Only when you begin to understand and express your grief naturally will healing begin.
Mourning takes approximately 18–24 months.
Healthy mourning requires a process of facing reality, testing how the death has affected us, finding ways to compensate for our loss and establishing new relationships which orient us to life.
We may experience
ANGER, DOUBT, DENIAL, BEWILDERMENT, PANIC, DEPRESSION, FEAR, RESENTMENT, GUILT, BITTERNESS. We want to blame someone – to lash out. Overpowering emotions rush in at us all at once, depriving us of our peace of mind. You may wonder just how much you can endure.
Grieving is difficult, hard work – it will take time. It is emotionally and physically draining. Allow yourself the time to grieve.
Other Information We Can Provide
Emotional Support
Information
We can help you gain access to financial assistance, survivor benefits, or transportation to other centers.
Facts
CANADIAN STATEMENT OF BASIC PRINCIPLES OF JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
In recognition of the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime, Federal and Provincial Ministers Responsible for Criminal Justice agree that the following principles should guide Canadian society in promoting access to justice, fair treatment and provision of assistance for victims of crime.