Manitoba Justice recognizes the need to offer information, assistance and support to victims of the most serious crimes.
Victim services workers:
What is The Victims’ Bill of Rights?
The Victims’ Bill of Rights recognizes:
What are some of the rights that I may request under The Victims’ Bill of Rights?
At each stage of the justice process you can choose the rights you want to use. Law Enforcement Agencies As a crime victim, your first point of contact with the justice system is likely to be a police officer. In Manitoba, this would include RCMP, Winnipeg Police Services and municipal police.
Under The Victims’ Bill of Rights, you may request the following from police:
Manitoba Prosecution Service
When someone is charged with a crime, a Crown attorney in the Manitoba Prosecution Service is responsible for dealing with the case. The Crown attorney must be fair to all parties in the case, including victims, witnesses and the accused.
The Crown attorney is not your lawyer but will take into account your concerns. Victims may request the following:
Crown Law Division Victim Services Branch
Victim services workers are employed by this branch and will contact you when criminal charges have been laid. They will explain the court process, make sure you understand your rights and advise where to get information at every stage.
Courts Division
Criminal cases are presented in court. The courts include the physical place where cases are heard and the people who work there such as the judges, clerks and sheriffs. If your case ends up before the courts, you can access the following rights:
Manitoba Corrections
Manitoba Corrections is responsible for sentenced and unsentenced offenders. If the offender in your case is sentenced and will be handled by the provincial system, you have the right to ask for information such as:
whether a person is under supervision or in custody and the name and location of the jail or supervising office
where a pre-sentence report is being prepared and your opportunity to comment
estimated dates of release from custody and the dates of temporary absences or other types of release, along with their terms and conditions
notification of an offender’s escape, being unlawfully at large and recapture
warning of an offender’s possible threat to your safety and security
Other rights and services for victims of crime Going through the justice process can take time away from work.
Victims of serious crime have rights outside of the justice system. This includes specific rights from your employers. You have the right to be granted time off work for parts of a trial if you are:
How do I register for my rights? For more information about registration and registration forms, ask your local police agency or a victim services worker.
For information call toll free: 1-866-4VICTIM (1-866-484-2846) or go to: www.manitoba.ca/justice/victims/index.htm