Mission Statement
- To provide a voice for those affected by a violent crime, or the loss of a loved one to a criminal act
- To create change in the Criminal Justice System
- To provide guidance and direction pertaining to court procedures
- To educate the community and victims about their rights
We have all lost someone, or have been affected by an act of violence. We share our grief, our pain, and our frustration with the system. As such we have a unique position – we have the opportunity to use our voices. Our combined voices have strength, and we can make ourselves heard.
The Justice system is broken – In fact, there is no justice in the CJS, it’s become a legal system. Legalities and judicial procedure have become the focus, rather than Justice.
We are calling for the Federal government to revise Section 515 of the Criminal Code dealing with Judicial Interim Release to remand in custody anyone charged with murder without the possibility of bail.
And further, to increase minimum sentencing requirements under the Code to ensure that those who commit acts of violence upon other citizens are not free to roam the streets. These are just a few of the laws that need to be revisited.
We must take a stand! The judiciary has lost touch with reality. Rights of the accused have superseded the rights of the victims, and the community. This must change!!
We call upon you, the citizens of this country to make yourselves heard. Please contact your local Mayor, your MLA’s and Members of Parliament. Government does not change on its own; it requires pressure from the community.
F.A.C.T.
CANADIAN STATEMENT OF BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME[1]
In recognition of the United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime, Federal and Provincial Ministers Responsible for Criminal Justice agree that the following principles should guide Canadian society in promoting access to justice, fair treatment and provision of assistance for victims of crime.
1. Victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion and with respect for their dignity and privacy and should suffer the minimum of necessary inconvenience from their involvement with the criminal justice system.
2. Victims should receive, through formal and informal procedures, prompt and fair redress for the harm which they have suffered.
3. Information regarding remedies and the mechanisms to obtain them should be made available to victims.
4. Information should be made available to victims about their participation in criminal proceedings and the scheduling, progress and ultimate disposition of the proceedings.
5. Where appropriate, the view and concerns of victims should be ascertained and assistance provided throughout the criminal process.
6. Where the personal interests of the victim are affected, the views or concerns of the victims should be brought to the attention of the court, where appropriate and consistent with criminal law and procedure.
7. Measures should be taken when necessary to ensure the safety of victims and their families and to protect them from intimidation and retaliation.
8. Enhanced training should be made available to sensitize criminal justice personnel to the needs and concerns of victims and guidelines developed, when appropriate, for this purpose.
9. Victims should be informed of the availability and social services and other relevant assistance so that they might continue to receive the necessary medical, psychological and social assistance through existing programs and services.
10. Victims should report the crime and cooperate with the law enforcement authorities.
[1] Canada Department of justice, Revised 2003.
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