Most major centres will have a victim/witness assistance program as part of the provincial justice system. Some provinces may also have a crime victims’ rights office to help you make your way through the court system. Contact these offices for information.

The staff members are able to give you the name of the Crown attorney who has been assigned to your case as well as the dates for preliminary hearings and the trial. They may act as a liaison with the Crown attorney’s office and keep you updated about the case, if you request it.

These people want to be a comfortable point of access as you enter the maze of the justice system. Ask them your questions. They are willing to explain the system to you. Call them back if you need more information or if there is something you don’t understand. Let them know what your needs are.

Personnel from these offices will also help you in preparing and writing a victim impact statement.

Mennonite Central Committee Canada. (2011). Getting through the maze: A guidebook for survivors of homicide.