Background
Victim Services, a program within the NL Department of Justice and Public Safety, provides assistance to victims of crime in NL for a wide variety of situations including, but not limited to:
Intimate partner violence (domestic violence)
Sexual assault
Criminal harassment (stalking)
Personal violence like assault; assault with a weapon; assault causing bodily harm, robbery
Threats
Homicide (family members can access services)
Impaired driving
Property crimes
Theft and fraud
Definition of Restorative Justice
Victim Services NL does not have an official definition of restorative justice.
Demographic Served
Individuals 16 years of age and older who have been victims of crime, regardless if it has been reported to police or charges laid.
Individuals under the age of 16 can receive services with consent of caregiver if they are a victim or witness where charges have been laid.
Services
Victim Services accepts referrals from community and government-based agencies, including police forces, crown attorneys, and child protection workers, as well as self-referrals from adult victims of crime and caregivers of children/youth. Victim Services will inform clients of any available restorative justice option such as through parole or adult diversion.
Services include:
General information about the criminal justice system
Specific case information
Safety planning
Court preparation
Assistance with Victim Impact Statements or Community Impact Statements
Assessments and referrals to specialized community resources, if required
Emotional support and short-term counseling as you prepare to go through court
Supporting and facilitating initiatives to increase awareness and education regarding needs and issues of victims
Information provided
November 30, 2023