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Part of Programs for victims of crime

Victims of Crime Assistance program

Victims of violent crime can apply for assistance, supports and services to help with emergency expenses and their recovery.

Overview

If you are the victim of violent crime, you may be eligible to get help for:

  • emergency assistance – financial assistance following a violent crime for urgently required needs.
  • counselling – immediate access to short-term crisis supports, or transitional specialized counselling supports to help in dealing with the psychological impacts of crime
  • physical injury supports and services – extended medical benefit service or severe injury benefits to help with treatment of physical injuries related to the crime

Eligibility

You may be eligible for emergency assistance if:

  • you were the victim of a serious Criminal Code offence
  • the crime happened in Alberta – you do not need to live here to be eligible
  • you reported the crime to police within a reasonable period of time
  • your application is received within 2 years of the date of the crime – in special circumstances this may be extended
    • you should include a reason for the delay in the application form

You do not have to wait for a charge or conviction to apply, but the incident must first be reported to a police agency.

Any injuries must be verified by a medical professional (doctor or counsellor) who treated you for the injuries.

If you have questions about eligibility, contact the Victims of Crime Assistance Program by email at [email protected].

What you can get

You can get help paying for the emergency needs, services, and supports listed below.

The amount of assistance, supports or access to services may depend on the circumstances of your victimization. Maximum amounts apply.

  • Emergency assistance

    For victims of crime who have immediate basic needs as a result of the crime.

    Examples:

    • Basic necessities or groceries
    • Childcare or pet care

  • Residential protective measures, services or expenses

    For victims who are at risk of additional harm from the perpetrator or are so traumatized by fear they cannot lead normal lives.

    Examples:

    • Safety and security-related assistance for enhancements or repair to a primary residence

  • Accommodation: protective measures, services or expense

    For victims who are at risk of additional harm from the perpetrator and were required to flee their primary residence.

    Examples:

    • Financial assistance for a victim who must leave their primary residence as a result of a crime
    • Financial assistance if dependents and/or pets were required to leave the primary residence
    • Reimbursement for emergency accommodation expenses

  • Emergency travel assistance

    For victims who have to travel some distance for:

    • escaping domestic violence
    • relocation of trafficking victims

    Examples:

    • Travel expenses such as bus fare, air fare or mileage expenses
    • Relocation expenses such as moving vans, temporary storage, damage deposit

  • Repair, replacement of medical aids

    For victims whose eyeglasses/contacts, disability aids or other medically required aids were damaged, destroyed or left behind as a result of a violent crime

    Examples:

    • Reasonable expenses related to repair or replacement of
      • prescription eyeglass frames and lenses
      • various medically-required disability aids wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.

  • New disability aids or newly required medical aids

    For victims who need new disability aids:

    • because of their injuries from the crime
    • to reduce the effects of the injuries
    • to assist in daily living

    Examples

    • Mobility aids
    • Communication aids
    • Vision aids
    • Prostheses and orthoses
    • Other equipment or supplies

  • Counselling services or expenses

    For eligible victims of crime who are impacted by a psychological injury.

    Examples:

    • Crisis counselling sessions – 24/7, 365 days/year
    • Educational sessions for parents/guardians who support the minor victim
    • Specialized counselling – prioritized services to access experienced professionals in supporting the diverse needs of victims
    • Significantly impacted by the crime

  • Medical services or expenses

    For victims who need physical injury treatment, as a direct result of the crime.

    Examples:

    • Treatment by doctors or medical professionals (for example, physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiropractors)
    • Health care services

  • Prescription drug expenses or medically required supplies

    For victims who need prescription drugs to recover from, or manage the effects of, their injuries from the crime.

    Examples:

    • Medication prescribed by a medical provider may be covered under the extended medical benefit
    • Medical supplies related to injury treatment, or wound care

How to apply

Step 1. Fill out the form

Your local victim services unit can also help you complete your application.

Step 2. Submit the form

Email: [email protected]
Fax: 780-422-4213

Mail:
Victims of Crime Assistance Program
10th Floor, 10365 97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta  T5J 3W7

Resources

Contact

Connect with the Victims Assistance Program:

Phone: 780-427-7217
Toll free: 310-0000 (from anywhere in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]