The Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime Releases 2015-2016 Annual Report

Logo: Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime (CNW Group/Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime)

Amplifying the voices of victims

OTTAWA, June 21, 2017 /CNW/ - The Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) today released her Office's 2015–2016 Annual Report, which summarizes the office's key activities and recommendations in its ongoing work to assist victims of crime in Canada.

In 2015-2016, the OFOVC responded to hundreds of inquiries and complaints from Canadians, conducted a systemic review on victim funding and made several recommendations to the federal government on how to better meet victims' needs.

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"Every initiative we undertake and every recommendation I make are based on the experiences and perspectives I'm privileged to hear; the voices of the victims and of the advocates who work tirelessly to bring attention to these important issues. I am grateful to them for their ongoing engagement. Together, we are making a positive difference," said Ms. O'Sullivan.

"Since the OFOVC began operating we have seen a growing recognition that victims of crime have legitimate needs and concerns. That recognition has led to significant changes in legislation, policies and practices that provide and protect rights for victims in the criminal justice system. I am proud that the OFOVC has contributed to this evolution and look forward to continuing to work with victims and victim-serving organizations to enhance Canada's criminal justice system for victims," said Ms. O'Sullivan.

Quick facts

• The OFOVC helps victims to address their needs, promotes their interests and makes recommendations to the federal government on issues that negatively affect victims.
• The Ombudsman reports directly to the Minister of Justice, who tables the Office's annual report in Parliament.
• In 2015-16 the Ombudsman made recommendations relating to:
  • Effects on victims of delays in the criminal justice system;
  • Financial assistance for victims to attend Parole Board of Canada hearings;
  • Victims' rights in the military justice system;
  • A victim response program for incidents of mass victimization or terrorism;
  • The pre-inquiry design process for a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; and
  • Implementing complaints mechanisms as required by the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.

Related products

Annual Report (www.victimsfirst.gc.ca)

Follow the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime on Twitter (@OFOVC_BOFVAC) or visit the website at victimsfirst.gc.ca

SOURCE Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime

For further information: Christina McDonald, Manager, Communications, Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime, Tel: [phone]