Ontario. Ministry of the Attorney General

Victim / Witness Assistance Program, Toronto, Ontario Review Board


Description

Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process
Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over. Services include:

  • information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
  • needs assessment and referrals to community agencies, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies
  • crisis intervention, trauma-informed support, victim advocacy
  • facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
  • arrange for interpreters and accessibility accommodations
  • information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
  • facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
  • debriefing and follow- up support

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund -- Helps support victims of crime, including families of homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities resulting in criminal charges, to participate more fully in the criminal court process by providing financial assistance and court- based supports for:

  • travel to attend key court dates
  • language interpretation services
  • special accommodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
  • basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending court
Eligibility

Victims and witnesses of:

  • Intimate partner violence
  • Child physical and sexual abuse
  • Sexual assault (including historical sexual assault)
  • human trafficking
  • Families of motor vehicle fatalities
  • Families of homicide victims
  • Elderly victims
  • Victims with disabilities
  • Victims of hate crime

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund – Eligibility determined on case-by-case basis

Application Process
Referral by police, Crown Attorney, community agency, or self-referral
To access supports, the proceedings must take place at a court in Ontario and applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria depending on the type of support requested
Documents Required
May vary; contact for information
Office
416-327-5946 - General Inquiry
Office
416-429-5955
Fax
416-327-6373
Web Site
https://www.ontario.ca/page/victimwitness-assistance-program
Mailing Address
720 Bay St
5th Fl
Toronto, ON, M7A 2S9
Canada
Languages
English, French, Other - interpreters for other languages
Fees
None
Topic(s)
Agency Information
View Agency Profile
Copyright
Findhelp Information Services
Last Updated On
March 25, 2026
Last Verified On
November 19, 2025
Location
Toronto
Accessibility
Unknown; contact for information
Hours of Operation
Contact for hours
Service Area(s)
Ontario