Minors who witness violence

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

The application form should be completed by a parent or guardian of the minor.

Minor Witness to Domestic Violence form (PDF, 146 KB)

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 Fl, 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]