Victims' roles and rights in the criminal justice system

Learn who is considered a victim of crime and about their rights in the criminal justice system.

Who is a victim of crime?

Learn who is considered a victim under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights and who is able to exercise a victim's rights if the victim is dead or not able to act on his or her own behalf.

Victims' rights in Canada

Victims have the right to information, protection, participation, and to seek restitution under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

Victim's right to information

Victims have the right to ask for information about the justice system, about services available to them, and about the progress of their case and the status of the person who harmed them.

Victim's right to protection

Victims have the right to have their security and privacy considered, to have reasonable and necessary protection from intimidation and retaliation, and to ask that their identity not be publicly released.

Victim's right to participation

Victims have the right to present victim impact statements and have them considered. Victims' views about decisions that affect their rights will also need to be considered.

Victim's right to seek restitution

Victims have the right to have the court consider making a restitution order for their financial losses and to have any unpaid amount enforced through a civil court.

Making a complaint about infringement or denial of a victim's right

Learn how to file a complaint if you feel that a federal department or agency has infringed (violated) or denied your rights under the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (CVBR).