• How is a victim defined in legislation?
• What kind of information can a victim provide to NPB?
• When should information be provided?
• Will the information provided by the victim be shared with the offender?
• How is information from a victim used by Board members in making decisions?
• Can a victim attend the offender's hearing?
• Who do I cont a ct for more information?

How is a victim defined in legislation?

The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) defines a victim as someone to whom harm was done or who suffered physical or emotional damage as the result of a crime. The law considers that relatives or legal guardians are victims when the victim is deceased, or is a child, or is unable to act for his/herself due to illness or injury.

The definition of victim includes other persons where the Chairperson of the National Parole Board (NPB) is satisfied that:

1. harm was done to the person, or the person suffered physical or emotional damage, as a result of a crime, whether or not the offender was prosecuted or convicted for this crime; and
2. a complaint was made to the police or the Crown Attorney, or an information was laid under the Criminal Code in respect of that crime.

What kind of information can a victim provide to NPB?

The NPB welcomes information from a victim that may help the Board evaluate the risk posed by an offender. A victim can send to the NPB a description of the harm or loss that he/she has suffered as a result of an offence. A victim may have prepared a Victim Impact Statement for the court. If so, he/she may want to send a copy to the NPB, or send any new or additional information that he/she think is relevant for the NPB to consider.

When should information be provided?

Information can be provided at any time; however, victims are encouraged to send this information, in writing, as soon as possible after the offender is sentenced.

Will the information provided by the victim be shared with the offender?

The law requires the NPB and the Correctional Service of Canada ( CSC ) to share with the offender any information that will be used in making a decision, including information provided by a victim. Information cannot be used if it is not shared with the offender before a review. However, an offender will not receive personal information such as the address or phone number of the victim.

How is information from a victim used by Board members in making decisions?

Information from a victim can help the Board members appreciate the circumstances and seriousness of the offence and determine whether the offender recognises the impact of the offence on the victim. It can also help Board members assess the offender's release plan, whether the offender is likely to commit another crime, and if any new offence is likely to be violent. Information from a victim can assist Board members to decide if further special conditions beyond the standard conditions are necessary to further reduce the risk that the offender might present.

Can a victim attend the offender's hearing?

Yes. A victim can apply to attend a NPB hearing. Generally, an employee of the NPB or CSC will attend the hearing to answer questions and provide the victim with information regarding the hearing procedures.

The Request to Observe a Hearing Form (PDF 110 Kb) must be filled in and sent to the NPB regional office where the hearing will take place (any regional office may be contacted to find out where to direct the request). Applications should be submitted as far in advance of the date of the hearing as possible (preferably 30 days) to allow the processing of the application and to conduct a security check.

Who do I contact for more information?

For more information, contact the NPB regional office nearest you. Victims may seek assistance by calling this toll-free line 1-866-789- INFO.