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 Ontario. Ministry of the Attorney GeneralOntario Victim Service Secretariat, Victim/Witness Assistance Program |
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| Contact Information | ||||
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| Address & Map | John Sopinka Courthouse 45 Main St E, Ste 478 Hamilton, ON L8N 2B7  | |||
| Major Intersection | John St S and Main St E | |||
| Office Phone | 905-645-5272 | |||
| Fax | 905-645-5271 | |||
| Crisis Phone | Victim Support Line 1-888-579-2888 | |||
| Website | www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca | |||
| Additional Website | www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/service_standards/service_standards_victim_services.asp | |||
| Service Details | ||||
| Alternate Name (Internal use only) | Court House ; John Sopinka Courthouse ; VWAP | |||
| Accessibility | Fully Accessible | |||
| Located In Community | Hamilton Central | |||
| Ward | Ward 2 | |||
| Description | The goal of the program is to provide victim/witnesses of crime with a more comprehensive understanding of the criminal court process. These objectives are met by providing general and case specific information, court preparation, referrals, advocacy with crown, police and community assistance with Victims' Impact Statement and copies of all court orders. Staff will: * Determine if an appropriate referral has been made (have criminal charges been laid?). Then he/she will contact the client to introduce the program, explain the service, ask how the staff might be of support, ask what questions the client has and listen to his/her concerns * Update client about his/her specific court case (i.e. date, type of court appearance, explain the court process, definitions and what the role of the client is/will be * Liaise with the police and the crown attorney * Advocate on behalf of the client regarding his/her case. Make referrals regarding counselling, financial support and social service programs, if needed * Assist with the victim impact statement * Provide court case outcome (i.e. probation etc.) * Prepare client for court testimony; accompany to court upon request, give support * For physically or mentally challenged clients the service would be the same; however, staff would ensure that the crown attorney prosecuting the case was aware of special needs; assess abilities; enlist expert witness if necessary (e.g. to testify to capability of client); increase supports, amount of times to meet, etc. Victim Witness Assistance Program | |||
| Hours | Mon-Fri 8:30 am-5 pm | |||
| Areas Served | Hamilton (City of) | |||
| Eligibility | Client must be a victim or witness involved in the criminal court process where charges have been laid. The most vulnerable victims of crime are served. | |||
| Bus Routes | (1) KING ; (5) DELAWARE - STONEY CREEK ; (10) B-LINE ; (34) UPPER PARADISE | |||
| Fees | None | |||
| Languages | English ; Interpretive Services | |||
| Established | 1988 | |||
| Indexing | ||||
| Service Categories | Crime Victim Notification Services ; Crime Victim/Witness Counselling ; Crime Witness Support ; Domestic/Family Violence Legal Services ~ Elder Abuse Victims ; General Crime Victim Assistance ; In Person Crisis Intervention ~ Crime Victims ; Specialized Information and Referral ~ Crime Victims ; Specialized Information and Referral ~ Crime Witnesses | |||
| Subjects | Accompaniment services ; Child abuse ; Courts ; Crime victims ; Elder abuse ; Family violence ; Provincial government ; Sexual assault | |||
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