News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following message was issued today by Justice and Public Safety Minister Hugh J. Flemming in recognition of the 16th annual National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, Nov. 14-20:

Supporting and helping crime survivors is as important as preventing crime in the first place.

National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week raises awareness about the issues faced by victims and survivors of crime and about the services, assistance and laws in place to help them and their families. In New Brunswick, the Department of Justice and Public Safety’s Victim Services program provides support to victims as they become involved with the criminal justice system.

This year’s theme is The Power of Collaboration.

While this is the 16th annual National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, New Brunswick has had a Victim Services program since 1983. We provide services such as:

• Helping victims understand their rights and how the criminal justice process works.
• Referring eligible victims to counselling by a registered therapist of their choice.
• Supporting victims who are preparing to go to court, particularly vulnerable individuals.
• Providing guidance to victims when applying for restitution from the offender. Restitution is a payment that an offender makes to cover their victim’s financial losses as a result of the crime.

I am proud of the work being done by department staff to ensure the people affected by crime are supported through the criminal justice process.

Anyone looking for information about the programs available in New Brunswick can visit the Victim Services page.

The week is an annual federal government outreach initiative led by Justice Canada’s Policy Centre for Victim Issues. In light of COVID-19 restrictions, the federal department will be hosting virtual events throughout the week.