Victim services now available to all victims of crime

Tom Marshall, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, said today he is pleased to announce victim services are now available to all victims of crime throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, including those under the age of 16.

Minister Marshall noted government was very concerned that a program did not exist to prepare children under the age of 16 years to testify in criminal proceedings. "Previously, Newfoundland and Labrador was the only jurisdiction in the country that did not provide victim services to children. That was simply unacceptable to this government," Minister Marshall said. "We now have a solid program in place that will ensure both adults and children who testify in criminal proceedings have a positive support system in place."

The minister said, "To properly address the need, we have added five full-time and one half-time victim services coordinator positions to our current team, including one to operate a new office on the Burin Peninsula. Victim services coordinators just completed a three-day orientation session in Corner Brook and are currently working throughout the province."

Victim services assist victims with court preparation and provide information services regarding the criminal justice system, pre-court preparation, and short-term counseling. Expansion of victim services was a Budget 2005 initiative. Government allocated $255,200 to support start-up costs associated with the program. The program is expected to cost $400,000 annually and will be self-sustaining with the implementation of a 15 per cent Provincial Victim Fine Surcharge. The surcharge will fund the program in its entirety, and will include various provincial statute offences, excluding parking offences and offences pertaining to municipal acts.

"It is so important that these valuable services are available to all victims throughout the province. This government will continue to use every resource available to protect those most vulnerable in society," said Minister Marshall.

Media contact: Billy Hickey, Communications, (709) 729-6985, 691-6390

2005 10 18        9:30 a.m.