Dealing with Trauma and Tragedy
What is an “Emergency Protection Order?”
Emergency Protection Orders address the immediate safety of victims of family violence. An EPO can order an abuser not to go to places where the victim regularly goes and not to communicate with the victim. The EPO can allow the victim and any children to stay in the home and order the abuser to leave.
An EPO can be applied 24 hours/day, seven days a week. There is no cost. The EPO must be scheduled for a review in the Court of Queens Bench no later than nine working days after it is granted.
Queen's Bench Protection Orders
Queen's Bench Protection Orders cover the same types of things that an EPO does. Where an EPO is for the immediate safety of a victim of family violence, a Queen's Bench Protection Order provides for longer-term planning and protection. It can be issued for up to one year. Additional conditions can be added to the Order. For example, it can order the abuser to reimburse the victim for loss of money or finances resulting from family violence. It can say which party can temporarily possess personal property. It can authorize counselling for a child without the consent of the abuser. A Queen's Bench Protection Order can be granted when an EPO is reviewed.
How Do I Recognise if Someone May Be Suicidal?
It is very difficult for most of us to imagine the pain of a suicidal person. When one is poised on the brink of suicide, there is a strong sense of ambivalence. Often times, it isn't really that they want to die, rather life's problems have stacked up so high that they just don't see any other way out.
At this point, tunnel-vision can set in and even though there are other ways out and many people who would gladly offer help, the suicidal individual can't see beyond his or her own pain. This tunnel-vision may also prevent the person from understanding the impact their death will have on family and friends.
One very common reaction to suicide is a sense of guilt felt by those left behind to grieve. Suicide is a very private, individual act and the motives for suicide are extremely complex. Friends and family may think the person "has it all," but the suicidal person doesn't see it that way and can't live up to those expectations.
Generally speaking, suicidal individuals are suffering from intense emotional and psychological pain. Their self-esteem is very low and there is a marked sense of sadness. It is a devastating symptom of many complex problems and it can happen to anybody, anywhere, at anytime.
Watch for marked changes in the personality, eating habits, sleeping patterns, appearance or sociability of those left grieving after a suicide.
If you are concerned, ask the person directly, "Has it ever been so bad that you have thought of killing yourself?" Listen non-judgmentally and direct the person to counselling or other resources.
If you are concerned about the person’s safety or the safety of others, call 911 and ask for the PACT Team (Police and Crisis Team) and say someone is/may be suicidal.
What Is A Victim Impact Statement?
Under provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, a Victim Impact Statement allows you to express in writing to a Judge how being a victim of crime has affected you and those close to you.
The purpose of the Victim Impact Statement is to describe how the crime has affected you emotionally and physically and the overall effect it has had on your life. If charges are laid, and if the accused person is found guilty, your Victim Impact Statement will be considered by the Judge during sentencing.
Who May Prepare A Victim Impact Statement?
Anyone who is a victim of a crime may prepare a Victim Impact Statement. In a case where the victim has died or is not capable of preparing a Victim Impact Statement, the Victim Impact Statement may be prepared by a spouse or relative.
Do I Have To Prepare A Victim Impact Statement?
No. Your decision to prepare a Victim Impact Statement is a voluntary one. It provides you with an opportunity to participate in the criminal justice system by describing how the offence has affected you and those close to you.
Why Should I Prepare A Victim Impact Statement?
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For yourself: The Victim Impact Statement provides you with an opportunity to describe how you have been affected by the crime.
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For the Court: If a charge is laid and the accused person is found guilty, your Victim Impact Statement will be considered by the Judge at the time of sentencing. Your Victim Impact Statement will help the Court understand how the crime has affected you emotionally and physically and the overall effect the crime had on your life.
How And When Will My Victim Impact Statement Be Used?
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For yourself: After a finding of guilt and before the offender is sentenced, your Victim Impact Statement will be provided to the Court. The Victim Impact Statement will be considered by the Judge at the time the offender is sentenced. The Judge, the Crown prosecutor, the defense lawyer and the offender will receive copies of your Victim Impact Statement. At the sentencing hearing, you may be cross-examined on the contents of your Victim Impact Statement.
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Please note that sentencing can occur at any time: For example, if an accused person pleads guilty, sentencing could occur on short notice. In order for a Victim Impact Statement to be considered in these circumstances, it should be at the courthouse as soon as possible.
What Is Appropriate To Include In A Victim Impact Statement?
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How the crime has affected you physically.
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How the crime has affected you emotionally.
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The overall impact of the crime on your life.
What Is NOT Appropriate To Include In A Victim Impact Statement?
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A description of the crime or how the crime occurred.
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Details of the crime, the time, date, location or sequence of events. This information will have been in the witness statement you gave to police. By the time your Victim Impact Statement is considered by the Court, the accused person has already been found guilty.
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Offences the accused may have been charged with or convicted of in the past or since the incident in question.
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Your opinions or criticisms about the accused person's character.
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Your thoughts or recommendations as to the type of sentence or the severity of punishment the accused should receive.
If your Victim Impact Statement contains any of the above, the Court may disregard it.
Financial Benefits
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security
To call toll-free from anywhere in Alberta outside the Edmonton calling area, dial 310-0000 and ask for the above number.
The Victims of Crimes Programs Include:
Emergency Crime Assistance
Counselling Benefit
Death Benefits
Travel Benefits
Financial Benefits
Restitution for Victims of Crime
If you have suffered financial loss as a result of a crime, you may have the right to seek restitution from the offender. Restitution may also be sought from young offenders, however, limitations apply. Restitution is a way for the offender to repay you for the loss you have suffered.
The Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security helps communities assist victims of crime.
Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security
Call toll-free through Service Alberta: dial 310-0000 and ask for the above number.
How Do I Apply For Restitution?
How Will I Know The Status Of My Request?
What Information Is Required On The Request For Restitution Form?
Do I Have To Provide Proof Of My Loss?
Why Must I Submit The Request For Restitution Form To The Police As Quickly As Possible?
Will I Have To Appear In Court?
When Can An Offender Be Ordered To Make Restitution?
What Restitution May Be Ordered By The Court As A Result Of A Crime?
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Damage, destruction, loss of property: the restitution order will not exceed the value of property and will be reduced by the value of any property that has been returned.
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Bodily or psychological harm: the restitution order will cover monetary loss including income or support.
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Expenses incurred in moving out of the offender's house:: the restitution order will cover any reasonable expenses.
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Losses incurred by unknowingly purchasing or lending money on stolen property: where the property has been returned to its lawful owner, the restitution order will cover the loss you have incurred. The order will not exceed the original amount you paid or the amount outstanding on a loan.
If I'm Not In Court, How Will I Get A Copy Of The Restitution Order?
A copy of the restitution order will be sent to you by the court. Ensure that the Provincial Court Clerk's Office has your current mailing address.
What Steps Do I Take After The Court Has Ordered Restitution For Me?
The Restitution Recovery Program will send out a letter in 1-3 months from the time it was ordered. If you have opted into the Recovery Program then they will assist in recovering the funds for you with the added assistance from RCMP if necessary, they will direct your next steps as needed. For information on where the process is and to see if there is a cheque waiting to be picked up you can call the Clerk’s Office of the Queen’s Bench Court at (780) 538-5340.
If you did not opt into the recovery program
You are responsible for filing the order as a judgment in the Court of Queen's Bench. At that time inform Court of Queen's Bench of your current mailing address.
You are also responsible for enforcing the judgment in the same way as if you had brought an action in Civil Court and obtained a judgment.
Will I Have To Pay A Fee To File The Order In The Court Of Queen's Bench?
No. A Civil Court filing fee will not be charged for a restitution order.
What If Restitution Is Ordered, But Not Paid?
Victim service programs are not allowed to give legal advice; however, they can provide you with information about the civil claims process. You may wish to ask victim services for a brochure entitled "Getting and Enforcing Your Judgment in Alberta." As well, you may wish to consult a lawyer of your own choosing for advice on enforcing the judgment. The Lawyer Referral Service (1-800-661-1095), sponsored by the Law Society of Alberta, allows you to consult a lawyer for 30 minutes at no charge. In addition, you may wish to listen to tapes offered by the Dial-a-Law service at 1-800-332-1091.
If The Court Does Not Grant Restitution Or I Am Unsatisfied With The Amount, Can I Pursue The Matter In Civil Court?
Yes. Applying for restitution does not stop you from using the Civil Court process.
