Ontario. Ministry of the Attorney General

Victim/Witness Assistance Program


Description

Provides 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
  • Information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
  • needs assessment and referrals to community agencies
  • crisis intervention, emotional 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
  • 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 -- financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court

  • travel arrangements and expenses
  • language interpretation
  • real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities
  • Basic necessities for victims of human trafficking while at court
Comments
Satellite offices in Cobourg and Lindsay (see separate listings) Please contact the Peterborough office for more information on satellite courts
Eligibility
Victims, their families and witnesses of:
  • homicide
  • human trafficking
  • intimate partner violence or domestic violence
  • child abuse
  • sexual assault
  • elder abuse
  • hate crimes
  • motor vehicle fatality cases resulting in criminal charges
  • other violent crimes involving a victim with a disability

Application Process
Referral by police, Crown Attorney, community agency, or self-referral
Documents Required
Documents required may vary, contact for information
Toll Free
1-855-240-2504
Office
705-755-5150
Fax
705-755-5155
Web Site
https://www.ontario.ca/page/victimwitness-assistance-program
Mailing Address
70 Simcoe St
Peterborough, ON, K9H 7G9
Canada
Languages
English
Contact
Manager,
Administrative Assistant
Debbie Craig
Fees
None
Topic(s)
Agency Information
View Agency Profile
Copyright
Community Connection, 211 Central East Region Contact Centre
Last Updated On
March 4, 2026
Last Verified On
March 4, 2026
Address
70 Simcoe St
Peterborough, ON, K9H 7G9

Cross street: King St. W and Simcoe St; Also located in Cobourg and Lindsay Courthouses


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Accessibility
Fully Accessible
Hours of Operation
Court Offices: Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm
Counter Services: Mon-Fri 9 am- 11 am and 2 pm-4 pm
Service Area(s)
Peterborough (County of)