Court Support
Court support and information are available to victims of crime in British Columbia.
Victim Service Worker
A Victim Service Worker can help you understand what is happening during the court proceedings. They can provide you with support throughout the court process. Receiving support can help reduce your anxiety and fears and allows you to ask questions about how the criminal justice system works. For more information, including a referral for a local victim service program, please call VictimLink BC.
Testimonial Accommodation
Testimonial accommodations are special steps taken to support victims or witnesses of crime during their testimony in court. For more information about testimonial accommodations, please visit: Court Support - Understanding Criminal Justice.
Travel to Court - Financial Help
As a victim of crime, if you must travel to attend your court case, you may be able to have some of your travel expenses, such as meals, accommodation and transportation, covered.
When you are subpoenaed (needed as a witness) by Crown counsel to testify at court, the Crown covers your travel expenses. Talk to Crown counsel or the Witness Notifier for details.
Should you want to attend the trial of a loved one killed during a crime, but are not required by Crown counsel to come to court (they do not need you as a witness), you may be eligible for travel expenses through the Crime Victim Assistance Program.
If you cannot get your expenses as a victim or family member covered by Crown counsel or the Crime Victim Assistance Program, you may be able to apply to the victim travel fund. For more information and contacts or to request an application form, please visit: Victim Travel Fund - Victim Safety Unit.
You can also ask about travel to court and how your travel expenses might be covered by talking to a victim service worker at VictimLink BC.
More Information
For more information about court support available to you, please visit: Court Support - Understanding Criminal Justice.
