Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General – Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)

Provides financial assistance and other benefits such as counselling, protective measures, travel assistance, income support or lost earning capacity, medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation, and crime scene cleaning to eligible victims, immediate family members, and witnesses who are known to the victim. Service does not cover offenders’ family members unless they are a direct victim. Applicants need not be residents of BC, but the crime must have occurred in BC. In most cases, an application must be received within one year of the offense; exceptions exist for victims of sexual assault, those who are minors, and in other exceptional circumstances where an extension is warranted. In all cases, the offense has to have taken place after July 1st, 1972. Provides interim counselling benefits for up to 12 one-hour sessions as soon as an application is received and registered where the application is from a victim or an immediate family member; the information provided in the application indicates the claim will likely meet CVAP eligibility; and a full adjudication of the claim may take some time due to information required from other sources. Application forms are available by mail or on the website. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday.