Overview
Minors who witness violence can get immediate specialized psychological counselling supports. This service is intended to:
- reduce the immediate and long-term emotional and psychological risks associated with witnessing criminal violence against a family member or loved-one
- promote the emotional and psychological healing, recovery, and safety of the child or adolescent through a range of trauma therapy techniques
- provide access to specialized counselling supports and services while the primary victim is engaged in the justice system process
Eligibility
A minor child may be eligible if:
- the witness to the offence is under the age of 18 years
- the witnessed offence is related to a violent crime
- the crime took place in Alberta
- the crime was reported to a police station as soon as possible after it happened
- the application was submitted within 2 years of the date of the crime – in special circumstances this may be extended
And where:
- the minor has a pre-existing strong emotional attachment to the person who was harmed by the crime
- the minor witnessed the start or immediate aftermath of the crime first-hand
- the violent crime is related to domestic violence, or an eligible Criminal Code (Canada) offence
How to apply
Step 1. Fill out the form
A parent or guardian of the minor should fill out the application form.
Step 2. Submit the application form
Submit the completed application to the Victims of Crime Assistance Program.
- Email: [email protected]
- Fax: 780-422-4213
- Mail:
Victims of Crime Assistance Program
10th Floor, 10365 97 St NW
Edmonton, AB T5J 3W7
Contact
Connect with the Victims Assistance Program:
Phone: 780-427-7217
Toll free: 310-0000 (from anywhere in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]