Introduction
Despite being one of the most comprehensive and effective criminal justice systems in the world, the Canadian criminal justice system is thought to be unfair to the victims. In particular, it is argued that the system ignores the fundamental needs of the victims. Criminal victimization, for instance, is one of the major challenges that the justice department has been dealing with from time immemorial. However, even the current Canadian criminal justice system is yet to eradicate victimization completely. Aside from tainting the overall image of the Canadian justice system and reduces its reliability in the face of the citizens, victimization is detrimental to the wellbeing of the families of the victim, the victims, and the entire society. The instant, and probably major impact, is that as a result of the gross ignorance for the victims’ rights they become reluctant to report their victimization and participate in the justice process. Failure of the victims to participate in the justice system undoubtedly has adverse culminating effects throughout the realm of justice and the associated systems in Canada. Even in the face of the quagmire, it is noteworthy that the criminal justice system has made greater in ensuring a fair and just system for all the parties involved.
Services and programs available for crime victims in Canada
In light of the researchers’ and justice experts’ concern for the level of effectiveness of the Canadian justice system for victims of crime, numerous services have been instituted to help seal the existing loopholes and work for the betterment of both the victims and the accused. Berard, Vacheret and Lamire (2013) notes that these services not only covers the victims but also their families and friends; and, may be financial or psychological depending on the evaluation of the experts. The services and programs are classified into domestic violence court programs, legal services, help for young (child) victims, victims crisis assistance as well as witness/victim help program. Financial services and programs include criminal and injuries compensation services, victim quick response program, and the famous vulnerable victims and family fund. Other services include the victim services award of distinction. In all these services, Berard et al. (2013) assert that teams of highly professional individuals work together to investigate and facilitate the process of case execution more efficiently while supporting the victims either psychologically or financially. However, it is noteworthy that provision of these services differ from one province to the other.
Role and rights of victims in the Canadian criminal justice system