Bill Mrs. Jablonski BILL VICTIMS OF CRIME AMENDMENT ACT, 2005 ( A s s e n t e d t o , 2 0 0 5 ) HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows: Amends RSA cV-3 The Victims of Crime Act is amended by this Act. 2

Section is repealed and the following is substituted: Principles 2(1) The following principles apply to the treatment of victims: (

a) victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect; (

b) the privacy of victims should be considered and respected to the greatest extent possible; (

c) all reasonable measures should be taken to minimize inconvenience to victims; (

d) victims should promptly receive, in accordance with this Act and the regulations, financial benefits for the injuries that they have suffered; (

e) the safety and security of victims should be considered at all stages of the criminal justice process, and appropriate measures to protect victims from intimidation and retaliation should be taken when necessary; (

f) information should be provided to victims about the criminal justice system and the victim’s role and opportunities to participate in criminal justice processes; (

g) information should be provided to victims, in accordance with prevailing law, policies and procedures, about the status of the investigation, the scheduling, progress and final outcome of the proceedings and the status of the offender in the correctional system; (

h) information should be provided to victims about victim assistance services, including the Victim Impact Statement Program, requesting restitution, means of obtaining financial reparation and other assistance and programs; (

i) the views, concerns and re presentation of victims are an important consideration in criminal justice processes and should be considered in accordance with prevailing law, policies and procedures; (

j) the needs, concerns and diversity of victims should be considered in the development and delivery of programs and services and in related education and training; (

k) information should be provided to victims about available options to raise their concerns when they believe that these principles have not been followed.

(2) Victims should report the crime and co-operate with law enforcement authorities. Explanatory Notes Amends

chapter V-3 of the Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000. 2

Section presently reads: 2(1) The following principles apply to the treatment of victims: (

a) victims should be treated with courtesy and compassion and with respect for their dignity and privacy and should suffer the minimum of necessary inconvenience from their involvement in the criminal justice system; (

b) victims should promptly receive, in accordance with this Act and the regulations, financial benefits for the injuries that they have suffered; (

c) information should be made available to victims about their participation in criminal proceedings and scheduling, progress and ultimate disposition of the proceedings; (

d) where appropriate, the views and concerns of victims should be considered and appropriate assistance provided throughout the criminal process; (

e) if the personal interests of victims are affected, the views or concerns of the victims should be brought to the attention of the court, where appropriate and consistent with criminal law and procedure; (

f) measures should be taken when necessary to ensure the safety of victims and their families and to protect them from intimidation and retaliation; (

g) victims should be informed of the avai lability of relevant services.

(2) Victims should report the crime and co-operate with law enforcement authorities. Title: 2005 (26th, 1st) Bill 12, Victims of Crime Amendment Act, 2005