Crime Victim’s Assistance Services
If you are a victim, witness, or family member of a victim of a crime you can apply to the BC Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) for support, including counselling services. As of January 1, 2024, the Crime Victim Assistance Program expanded support to victims of crime, family members, and witnesses through enhanced counselling; and expanding the offences covered to ensure that wider access to support was available to those seeking assistance. Jordan Penner is an approved provider under this program, and CVAP provides coverage for counselling services for approved claimants.
A wide range of services and resources are available to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and financial impacts resulting for the crime.
Benefits for Victims of a Crime
- Medical and dental services
- Prescription drug expenses
- Counselling
- Protective measures
- Replacement of damaged or destroyed eyeglasses, clothing and disability aids
- Childcare and homemaker services
- Disability aids and related disability expenses or services
- Support for a child born because of a crime
- Vocational services
- Income support or lost earning capacity
- Transportation and related expenses
- Crime scene cleaning
Benefits for Wittnesss
- Counselling
- Prescription drugs
- Transportation to attend counselling
- Crime scene cleaning
Benefits for Immediate Family Members
- Counselling
- Prescription drugs
- Transportation
- Crime scene cleaning
- Travel costs for the family of a deceased victim
In Cases involving fatalities, Benefits also include
- Funeral expenses
- Bereavement leave
- Other benefits to support spouses, children and financially dependent family members
Who is Considered a Victim of Crime?
You are considered a victim if you have been directly or indirectly affected by a crime. You do not need to be the one who was directly involved, witnessed, sustained physical injuries, or reported the incident to the police to be recognized as a victim.
In some cases, the term “victim” may also include:
- Someone whose family member or loved one has been killed or injured during criminal activity.
- Someone who has witnessed a crime.
It is important to remember that you are not responsible for what happened to you!, You are not to blame for the actions of the person who committed the crime.
How a Crime May Affect You
As a victim of crime, you may experience a variety of impacts:
- Emotional Impact – You may feel violated, fearful, or vulnerable. It is common to experience emotions such as sadness, anger, and helplessness, which can affect your daily life.
- Physical Impact – You may suffer physical injuries or experience stress-related physical reactions.
- Financial Impact – You may face loss of income or incur expenses related to the crime.
Applying For Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
Forms for Victims
Forms for Immediate Family Members
Forms for Witnesses
You do not have to wait for charges to be laid or for the offender to be convicted before applying for CVAP benefits. However, in most cases there is a time limit for making your application to CVAP:
- If the crime took place before January 1, 2024: the application must be received within one year from the date the crime occurred;
- If the crime took place after January 1, 2024: the application must be received within two years from the date the crime occurred.
Everyone reacts to the effects of crime differently, and all reactions are normal. Support and assistance are available to help you through the healing process. Jordan is available to support and guide you through this difficult time.
Creating Lasting Solutions
Jordan Penner is a Registered Clinical Counsellor working with individuals and families in the Surrey area to develop solutions that create lasting change. Jordan has over two decades of experience working with families and individuals to overcome mental health issues. Specializing in Relationships, Interpersonal, Mental Health, Divorce, and High Conflict Co-Parenting Counselling – Jordan will work with you to develop strategies to reach your goals, build healthier relationships, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
Learn More about Jordan and the Tools he has to offer
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About the Counselling
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Each situation is different, but the need for a supportive, comfortable, and confidential counseling environment is universal. Jordan takes those needs seriously, tailoring each session to meet your needs.
Surrey, Langley, Delta BC