Thinking of Dr. Martin Luther King

Today is Martin Luther King Day in the US so I’m dedicating
this blog in his name.

Hate – Evaluating Websites.pdf

“Hate – Threnody” – Videoclip from “Morphosis” Album

ADL ~ “Internet Hate”

Internet Hate describes the rapidly expanding practice utilized by racists and extremists to place anti-Semitic, racist, and other hateful material on the World Wide Web. The growth of the Internet has enabled bigoted and sometimes violent messages to reach a much wider and broader audience than ever before. Consequently, these messages of hate have become widely accessible online – in homes, offices, schools, and libraries.

ADL Publication Poisoning the Web: Hatred Onli

For years extremists have used printing of every kind — books, pamphlets, posters, newspapers, magazines — to get their message out. They have also tried to use modern inventions such as movies. radio, television, recorded audio and video tape and even telephone messages to spread their beliefs. So it is not surprising that they have decided to take their hate to the Internet. The Internet lets them reach millions with a click of a mouse.

Haters use the World Wide Web with its colorful web pages, sounds, and images to push propaganda attacking their enemies. Some of these pages suggest that violent action is needed. Old lies are reprinted and new ones are created. Neo-Nazi Skinheads try to sell the latest CDs filled with calls for “racial holy war.”

In newsgroups and chat rooms on Internet Relay Chat (IRC) they can talk to one another. They also can try to peddle their racist and anti-Semitic messages to anyone who surfs in. In addition, they can write private e-mail to the people they meet on line.

People who had only heard about such ideas can now read them up-close and personal. Pictures of burning crosses, claims that groups with a particular skin color or religion are inferior, the assertion that others are out to control the world – this is the stuff of hate group propaganda. Haters used to reach relatively few people. Today, on the Internet, they can reach a very large audience with little effort and money.

It is fairly easy to create a simple Web page. Many bigots have. They often try to create the false impression that many people are involved in their activities. This frightens their targets and encourages supporters.

The number of racists and anti-Semites is small compared to the rest of the population; in addition, they are fairly spread out. Yet, on the Internet, they can find people who think like them, which strengthens their beliefs and makes them feel less isolate.

Because extremists on the Internet can hide their real identity behind screen names and addresses (like anyone else), they feel free to attack those they hate. They realize there is no way for anyone to know who they are.

About The Anti-Defamation League

The Anti-Defamation League was founded in 1913 “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Now the nation’s premier civil rights/human relations agency, ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all.

A leader in the development of materials, programs and services, ADL builds bridges of communication, understanding and respect among diverse groups, carrying out its mission through a network of 30 Regional and Satellite Offices in the United States and abroad.

It Shouldn’t Hurt to be a Child

Access to Justice Network Canada
Bullying Canada
Canadian Centre for Abuse Awareness
Canadian Centre for Child Protection
Canadian Crime Victim Foundation
Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
Centre of Criminology – University of Toronto
Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System
Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children
Centre for Suicide Prevention, Information, Training and Research
Child Find Canada
Code Amber: The Web’s Amber Alert System
Correctional Service of Canada
Correctional Service of Canada Victim Services
Crime Victime Advocacy – Steve Sullivan’s Blog
Cybersitter
Cybertip.ca
Deal.Org
Department of Justice Canada
Department of Justice Canada- Policy Centre for Victims Issues
Department of Justice Canada – Victim Services Directory NEW
Springtide Resources – Ending Violence Against Women
Epilepsy Ontario
Families Against Crime and Trauma (FACT)
Federal Ombudsmen for Victims of Crime
Get Net Wise
Gift from Within – Survivors of Trauma & Victimization
Kids Help Phone
Kin Canada (Association of Kinsmen and Kinettes)
Lamarsh Centre for Research on Violence & Conflict Resolution
Lions Clubs International
MADD Canada
Ministry of the Attorney General Ontario – Office of the Children’s Lawyer
Missing Children Society of Canada
MOVA: Manitoba Organization for Victim Assistance
National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (NCFV)
National Organization for Victim Assistance
Nina’s Place – Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Crisis Centre
Office for Victims of Crime
Ontario’s Missing Adults
Operation Go Home
RCMP Our Missing Children
The Royal Canadian Legion
Safekids.com
SafetySurf.com
Safe Teens.com
The Block Parent Program of Canada
The Canadian Society for the Investigation of Child Abuse
The FREDA Centre For Violence Against Women and Children
The Men’s Project
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police
The Shaken Baby Alliance
Victims Assistance Online
Wired Safety (The World‘s Largest Internet Safety and Help Group)

Good Parenting Guide

Parents are people who are trying to do their best for their children and themselves. All parents are different and have different ways of doing things. Nobody does everything right all the time.
Don’t waste your energy trying to be perfect. Love your kids and enjoy them. Be the best parent you can.

Make time for yourself. Mothers and fathers have lives of their own. It is not selfish to do things for yourself. Parents take better care of their children when they take care of themselves too.

Parents need to eat well, to get enough rest, to exercise, to learn to do new things, to have fun, to be alone, even for just a few minutes every day, to talk to and be with other adults.

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

All parents have to find ways to handle everyday problems like time, money, and unwanted advice.

There never seems to be enough time when you’re taking care of small children. Your days are busy and full of interruptions. There is even less time when you work outside the home as well.

These ideas might help you to feel less rushed and to realize that what you do is important.

People are more important than things. Cuddling or playing with a child is always more important than cleaning the house.

Tidy is more important than clean. No one will see the dust on the woodwork, but the toys all over the floors can be dangerous and will drive you crazy. Put the toys into a box and put it into a corner. The room will look much better, you’ll feel good and it only takes a few minutes.

BE AS ORGANIZED AS YOU CAN

Make a list of what you have to do each day. Work out the easiest and quickest way to get it done. Try to think out how you will handle problems (like a sick child, no babysitter, or doctor’s appointments) BEFORE they happen.

Get as much help as you can. Do as much as you can by phone.
Order things or have them delivered whenever possible.
Have your partner share in child care.

WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK?

People will think exactly what they want to think and there’s nothing anyone else can do about it.
If you spank your child having a tantrum in the store, some people will think you’re a firm, no-nonsense parent. Some will think you abuse your child. If you wait quietly till the child calms down, comfort her, and go about your business, some people will think you are a gentle, loving parent. Some will think that you’re a weak-willed pushover.

The important thing is, WHAT DO YOU THINK? No matter what you do, you will never please everyone.

Trust your judgement. Ask for advice from people you like and trust, and ignore the others.

You’re not perfect.
Your children aren’t perfect.
And neither is the person frowning at you in the store.

ONE PARENT FAMILIES

In Canada, one out of every four families with children living at home is headed by a single parent. Being a single parent isn’t easy, but it isn’t unusual either.

Single parents have to handle the same things all parents do – but handling it all alone can seem like too much. You and your kids may need help and support.

HELP YOURSELF BY FINDING HELP

Find someone to talk to. Someone who will listen, understand your problems and care about what happens to you.

Sometimes this listener can be a friend, family, a neighbour or relative. Sometimes a priest or minister, social worker or counsellor is what you need. Community agencies and single parent support groups can be a source of help, too. Churches sometimes sponsor single-parent groups.

HELP YOUR CHILDREN:

Answer their questions about the absent parent and your family situation no matter how often they ask. Be brief and honest.

Give your children as much comfort, time and love as they need.

Tell them over and over: this isn’t their fault; that they are still loved; that they will be looked after and taken care of no matter what and that even if their parents don’t live together, they still have a mommy and daddy like everyone else.

Don’t use your children as a way to get even:

If you have custody of the children, don’t try to prevent the other parent from visiting because you’re angry about something else.
If you have visiting rights, spend the time with your children talking, playing and doing everyday things together. Don’t try to make the other parent look bad or buy the children’s love with toys or special treats.

FIND SOME ROLE MODELS FOR YOUR CHILDREN

When little boys don’t see much of their father, or when little girls don’t often see their mother, you may feel that they need an adult of the same sex for him/her to look up to and learn from. Grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family members can help with this. So can community organizations like Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Any change in your life can cause stress, things like getting married, a new baby, a new job, illness, separation, losing your job, or becoming a parent at a young age.

The situation you are in may be stressful too, being cut off and alone, having too much to do, having too little money, having problems with your kids.
Sometimes it gets to be too much. Stress is the way your body reacts to the feeling that life is getting out of control.

Each person reacts to stress differently. Some get skin rashes, headaches, or backaches. Some feel tired, angry, grouchy, depressed, nervous, or guilty.

HANDLING STRESS

There is some stress in everyone’s life. Stress can’t be avoided, but there are things you can do to make it easier to handle.
Slow down, relax. Put your feet up and have a cup of tea. Nap when your children do.

Don’t keep feelings bottled up. Find someone to talk to. A good listener can help you work things out. Try to talk to your partner or family. If you are feeling angry or depressed, do something active – go for a walk, scrub floors.

Try to understand what’s happening.

When there’s a change in your life, like a new baby or a separation, you may find that you don’t have much in common with old friends.

Finding people who understand and share your problems can be a great help.

Put your feet up and have a cup of tea.

CHANGE WHAT YOU CAN

Have your partner share child care.
Go out.

Join a bowling league.
Take a class.
Join or start a play group.
Look for help to handle the things you can’t change on your own.
Family, friends and neighbours
Community services, social agencies, support groups like Al- Anon, Big Brothers, Big Sisters and single-parent support groups.
Public health nurses, mental health workers

HELP

Help and support from neighbours and friends can make many problems seem easier to handle.

Talk to people at work, in the park, laundromat, store or church.

Phone someone whose kids are a little older – someone who’s made it through a similar stage.

Ask a neighbour to watch your children for an hour or so. Maybe you can watch her kids in return or do some other favour.

Call families you know who have small children. Ask if they would like to join a play group to give parents a chance to talk and the kids a chance to play.

See if you can join a babysitting co-op. Co-ops trade sitting time instead of paying for it.

Ask your church, community centre or school to start Mother’s Mornings to give mothers and kids a place to get together.

See if your library or bookmobile has a story hour for small kids. If they don’t, ask them to start one.

Professional help is needed when you want more help or a different kind of help than friends can offer.
Finding the right kind of help for your problem may take some time and effort.

It’s not easy to ask for help, and it’s even harder when you have to keep calling and you feel as if no one cares.

• 1. Know what your problem is. This will help you to explain it clearly and decide where to start looking for help.
• 2. Start with people you know. A friend, family member, public health nurse, social worker or minister can help and will have some ideas about others you might call.
• 3. Call a help line or crisis line for information. The number is usually listed on the inside front cover of the phone book.
• 4. Keep track of what you’ve done. Write down the name and number of whom you called – who you talked to – what they said.
• 5. Ask for other places to call. If one place you’ve contacted for help can’t give you what you need, ask them for other places to try.

ALCOHOL AND PILLS DON’T SOLVE PROBLEMS

Using alcohol or pills to help handle problems can be a problem in itself. You need help to stop drinking or depending on pills. You also need help to understand the problems that pushed you to the start.

Try:

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Centres
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counsellors
• Doctors, Public Health Nurses
• Social Service Workers
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Priests, Ministers
• Mental Health Clinics
• Friends
• Help Line

Sometimes you feel that you are the only one who has questions or problems. You wonder how you’ll get through another day.
Nearly all parents of small children feel cut off and lonely at times.

Parents need a chance to get together with other adults to talk.

Children need to get together with other kids, to play and to make friends.
Some ways to meet new people are:

PLAY GROUPS

A play group is one way parents and kids get together. Several parents and kids agree to meet regularly to talk and play. They can take turns meeting in each others kitchens or they can get together in a church or community hall. All it takes is someone to get it started.

PARENTING GROUPS

Parenting groups or classes are often set up by a public health nurse, church, social services department, or YM/YWCA. In a parenting group, parents talk and share ideas about raising children, while their kids play in another group. To find out about parenting groups in your area: Call your local public health nurse, social services department, or local YM/YWCA.

Check newspapers and community bulletin boards for notices. Listen for notices on the radio. Suggest that a church or community group set up a parenting program.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT BABYSITTER

Finding an experienced and competent babysitter will require some research on your part. Care should be exercised in determining who is hired to care for your children. Do not leave your child with anyone unless you are absolutely confident that he or she is capable and mature enough to handle the responsibility.

It is best to employ a babysitter from your own neighbourhood, preferably someone you know and who lives nearby. Ask for references. If you are new to a neighbourhood check with other parents, local community and church groups or agencies that specialize in child care. Bulletin boards and local newspapers may also be of some help. The majority of good caregivers, however, are usually recommended by friends, neighbours, relatives or co?workers. If hiring a young person, show preference to a young person who insists that their parents come to your home prior to their beginning work.

Once you have a list of potential caregivers, be sure to interview them to determine their skills, attitudes, availability and compensation requirements.

Most important, listen to your children. If they do not want to stay with a particular sitter find out why.

If there has been an abuse report it immediately to police. Do not discuss it with anyone, particularly the agency or caregiver prior to reporting the abuse to police.

GUIDELINES FOR SITTERS

• 1. Your babysitter should know where you are, and the telephone number where you can be reached.
• 2. The police emergency number and the fire department number should be in plain view on your telephone. (Use 911 if it is available).
• 3. Your babysitter should know your complete street address and explicit directions to your home in the event he or she needs to call the police or fire department.
• 4. The names and telephone numbers of neighbours who could assist in the event of an emergency should be given to your babysitter.
• 5. Your babysitter should be aware of any medical problems which may arise, and how to deal with them. Leave your family doctor’s name and telephone number with the babysitter.

• 6. Make certain your babysitter knows where his/her parents are if he or she will be unable to reach you.
• 7. The babysitter should lock all doors and windows, and keep them locked while you are away. Absolutely no one should be allowed in.
• 8. Instruct the baby sitter not to tell anyone on the telephone or at the door that they are the babysitter, since this implies they are alone.
• 9. If you are expecting any deliveries inform the babysitter. It is best to arrange that there are no deliveries while you are away.
• 10. Show the babysitter around the house, pointing out fire escapes, etc.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DAYCARE

With more and more mothers working outside the home and the increasing number of single parent households, daycares have become, to many, an important part of childhood. No longer does the term “babysitter” describe the type of full time care and attention you need someone to give your child on a daily basis while you work.
There are certain factors you should consider when choosing a daycare for your child. All states/provinces have some type of daycare licensing although requirements may vary. A list of licensed daycare centres may be obtained from health or human services departments in your area.

Cost does not necessarily determine the quality of the centre. In the “best” group daycare environment, each caregiver is responsible for specific children and preschoolers are separated from infants. Group daycare facility employees usually have some training in child development, health, nutrition and child safety. The supervisor of a facility usually has a graduate degree in early childhood education and often has some training in business management.

Although most family and group daycare facilities are safe places, there have been recent reports of sexual abuse in some, and this is understandably of great concern to many parents. The vast majority of daycares are operated by individuals who sincerely care about children.

1. Contact state/provincial and local licensing agencies along with other childcare community agencies to make sure the facility is reputable. Determine if there have been any past complaints of sexual abuse. Request to see the facilities’ licenses and credentials.

2. Talk with parents who are currently using the facility or who have used the facility in the past. Also, find out as much as possible about the teachers and employees at the facility. Ask to see employees’ resumes and references.

3. Determine the facility’s hiring practices, credentials required, etc. Find out what kind of background information, if any, is sought on individuals before they are hired. Meet the employees and watch how they work. See if the children appear to be happy.

4. Be sure you are informed of every planned outing. Never give the daycare blanket permission to take your child off the premises.

5. Prohibit in writing the release of your child to anyone without your explicit permission. Be sure the employees know who will pick up your child on any given day.

6. Make sure you have the right to drop in and visit the facility at any time, announced or unannounced, and that the daycare maintains an open door policy for parents.

7. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If abuse is ever alleged, do not discuss the abuse with the daycare facility. Go directly to the police and give them a statement prior to discussing the situation with anyone else.

Grieving A Violent Death

Why Is Homicide Different

“When I think of my son, the thoughts are never just of my love for him and the short but wonderful time we shared together. My thoughts are always marred by the brutal way in which he died, the senselessness of the act, and eventually, the offender and the justice system.”
- mother of a murdered child

Homicide is different from death by other means for a number of reasons. To begin with, homicide is usually deliberate. In other words, another person caused the death of a person’s loved one deliberately and with malice as opposed to a natural death by old age or a death caused by disease or accident. With homicide, there could also be extreme violence associated with the death of a loved one, increased media attention to the death, and for the survivors, a lifetime of courts, parole hearings, and the eventual release of the offender, all having a significant impact upon the survivors.

For these reasons, many families of homicide victims feel unique and very much alone in their efforts to recover from the murder of a loved one. This feeling of being alone is sometimes exasperated by caring relatives and friends who urge them to “forget the offender” and carry on with their lives. For them, it may not be possible and this can lead to them withdrawing further and further from family and friends. They might seek grief counseling or join a grief sharing group and feel that they do not fit in. The death in their case is different from most, making it extremely difficult for them to grieve their loss which is essential to their recovery. Although the means of death may be different from most,
families of homicide victims must still go through a grieving process if they are to recover from their loss and continue to lead productive lives.

Defining Grief

Grief is a natural, universal and emotional response to the loss of someone or something significant in a person’s life. This typically includes painful emotions and sorrow caused by loss. The responses vary widely and usually depend upon each person’s individual personality, life circumstances, past experiences with grief and how others react to their grief. Grief should not be something that is prevented or avoided. Grief will often surface in other ways such as physical symptoms, erratic behavior or displacing it onto others.

There is an endless range of emotions associated with grief. Common emotions of shock, depression, isolation, panic, anxiety, guilt, anger and resentment will be further discussed in the stages of grief. Other symptoms include disbelief, helplessness, withdrawal, confusion, frustration, restlessness, uncontrollable crying, rejection by others, humiliation and feelings of abandonment. Besides the actual loss of a loved one, there are emotional losses of identity, trust, intimacy, independence, control and power. Some physical reactions to the death of a loved one include the loss of appetite or overeating, sleeplessness, sexual difficulties, little energy, the inability to concentrate, tightness in the throat, heaviness in the chest, increased heart rate, nausea, a temporary feeling of being paralyzed, feeling light-headed or dizziness and headaches.

Stages of Grief

• “Traumatic events are extraordinary; not because they occur rarely, but rather because they overwhelm the ordinary human adaptations to life.” – Judith Herman

According to the book “Good Grief” by Granger E. Westberg (1971), there are ten stages of grief. Since grieving is a very individual and personal process, not everyone will go through all the stages and they won’t necessarily go through them in the order listed. These stages have been listed to make the grief process more comprehensible. It is important to remember, however, that there isn’t any ‘one’ way or ‘right’ way to grieve.

Stage 1: Shock
In response to tragic death, sorrow may be so overwhelming that a person’s senses are numbed. Often, during the shock phase, a person will experience denial of the loss of a loved one. It is common to hear phrases, words or actions that reduce the reality that a loved one is gone. If the survivor is experiencing shock, this is a mental method of temporarily escaping reality. As long as the shock is a temporary phase, it is completely normal. It is recommended that an individual continue with their usual daily activities as much as possible because it promotes healing. Shock can help someone deal with the grief until they are ready to move on to the next stage.

Stage 2: Emotional Release
Emotional release tends to occur when a person mentally realizes how devastating the loss is.  Uncontrollable urges to express grief can occur without warning and when there is a build up of emotions.  Letting out emotions is a healthy thing to do! It can promote healing by allowing feelings to come to the surface.  Repressing feelings can only make the situation worse.  It is perfectly natural and therapeutic to cry.  No one should feel embarrassed to cry because it is essential to release and express negative emotions.  Some people may not want to grieve in front of others.  That is okay too.  It is perfectly healthy to release one’s emotions in private.

Stage 3: Depression and Isolation
Eventually, a point will probably come when a person may feel totally depressed and isolated. They may also feel that no one has ever grieved the way they are grieving. Despite this sense of isolation, grief is a universal process. After experiencing a great loss, sadness is completely normal and essential to grieving. Depression in this stage refers to the inability to see hope and positivity. This despair leads to feelings of loneliness where no end is in sight. For some, this stage ends quickly but for others it can last for months. It is normal when it is temporary but if it lasts for a prolonged period of time, highly interferes with normal functioning or if a person has suicidal thoughts, it may have developed into clinical depression. This requires professional help.

Stage 4: Physical Symptoms
Many survivors may feel physical effects of being distressed. These physical symptoms can be very wide-ranging; there isn’t any ‘one’ physical side effect of grieving. Common physical symptoms can include overeating, undereating, nausea, dizziness or headaches. Any prolonged or extended physical symptoms should be taken seriously and treated by a professional. Long-term physical symptoms that are left untreated will usually get worse – not better.

Stage 5: Panic (also referred to as Anxiety)
Many people become panicky because they can only think of the loss. This can prevent a person from being effective in accomplishing things, such as work. It may cause an individual to worry about their own mental health and their inability to concentrate. Some people also panic because they feel as if they are “losing their mind.” It is important to understand that experiencing panic and having uncharacteristic thoughts is sometimes a part of the grieving process. When a grieving person is warned about the worrisome and fearful thoughts, it is less likely they will be overwhelmed with thoughts that they are “losing it.” It may also be comforting to know that panic is normal in this situation.

Stage 6: Guilt
Guilt is also a typical feeling associated with grief. Two types of guilt can be considered, ‘normal guilt’ and ‘irrational guilt’. ‘Normal guilt’ is when a person feels guilty for something they did or didn’t do that they should feel guilty about. For example, feeling guilty about things that they didn’t do for a loved one when the loved one was still alive. ‘Irrational guilt’ is when a person feels more involved or responsible for a particular problem. For example, feeling guilty because they couldn’t prevent the murder of a loved one. This is also called self-blame. Both types of guilt are often linked, so distinguishing between the two can be difficult. Everyone has feelings of ‘irrational guilt’ but it depends upon the degree to which it is experienced. Unresolved guilt can cause further distress if it is not dealt with properly. It can be dealt with through expression and in some cases speaking to mental health professionals.

Stage 7: Anger and Resentment
As a person comes out of feeling depressed, they may be able to express strong feelings of anger and resentment. Some people may not be aware of their anger until the depression dissipates. Anger is an important and normal part of going through grief. When there is a significant loss, most people go through a stage where they are very critical of everything and everyone associated with the loved one who has died. Sometimes, people need something to blame for the tragedy that occurred. This can cause hostility toward relatives, police and others. Even though anger is healthy, it is damaging if that emotion overrides everything else.

Stage 8: Resistance
Although a person may feel that they are far along in the grieving process and have a desire to return to usual activities, there may be a resistance to returning to their regular life. This can sometimes come from the feeling that others don’t understand how special the loved one was to them. Some may want to remain in grief to keep the memory of the person alive or facing ‘life’ again seems too painful. For some, the grief has become a familiar and comfortable place to be in. Resistance can also occur because there doesn’t appear to be a place for grief in society. Grief tends to remain quite private and some may feel they are forced to carry the burden within themselves.

Stage 9: Hope
Grief can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few years. How long grief will last for a survivor is unknown ahead of time. During this time of grief there will be glimpses of hope. Eventually this hope will outweigh discouraging feelings. No two people are the same and no two people grieve the same. Some may go through the stages not asking for help while others may grieve openly. Most will want affection and reassurance. Although grieving is an individual process, most cannot do it alone. It makes a significant difference when there is support and encouragement for someone who is grieving.

Stage 10: Affirming Reality
The final stage is affirming reality but this does not mean becoming their “old self again.” When anyone goes through a significant grief experience, they come out as a changed person. Although life won’t be the same, it is important for them to reaffirm what is good in their life. Even though they have endured a tremendous loss, it is important to realize that everything good has not been taken from them. As the struggle to affirm reality begins, a person should be encouraged not to be afraid of the real world anymore. This stage is also known as acceptance.

• “Following the murder of our daughter, I lost all sense of goodness in the world. I saw only evil and despair. It took years, but eventually, once again I began to see good in society. I began to smell the flowers again and it felt good.” - parent of a murdered child

Factors That Can Influence Grief

Grieving is not a simple process that is as clear-cut as these ten stages may suggest. It is complicated because there are internal factors (components within the grieving person) and external factors (outside influences) that impact the grieving process.

Internal factors, which make grieving so difficult and confusing, include:

• the extent of the loss – this means how much was actually lost; hopes and dreams for the future are lost; a friend or relative is lost; someone who knows them well and shares the past is lost; if the victim was their child, all their prospects of grandchildren to enjoy in their retirement could be suddenly gone.
• range of emotions – experiencing emotions that they may not have felt before; with homicide, this could include anger and hatred of someone they do not even know – the person said to be responsible for their loved one’s death; if no arrest is made they can be left wondering for a lifetime the identity of the offender, not having a real person to direct their anger to.
• intensity of emotions – they can erupt and be overwhelming sometimes.
• every death is unique – the personal relationship with the loved one and the circumstances of their death makes the situation unique; although they may have grieved before, this is a separate experience; homicide is also different since it is much more uncommon – everyone grieves with the deaths of loved ones, but few people experience homicide.
• lack of understanding – not understanding why a person feels the way they do.
• There are three external factors that can have an impact on the grieving process for homicide victims. They are the assisting services available, the media and the criminal justice system.
• available assisting services – if there are a variety of services available, they may help the
• person in the grieving process; the first type of assistance that is typically available is crisis intervention; crisis intervention is short term assistance provided to homicide survivors and other victims of crime; this assistance is usually provided only for a short period of time following the crime; this is when survivors are experiencing the ‘shock stage’ of grieving; the type of assistance includes validating the survivor’s feelings, dispelling blame, assuring safety, compassion, making funeral arrangements, and informing or contacting friends/family; beyond crisis intervention, other types of more long term services include mental health specialists, community service groups, victim advocacy groups and support groups.
  • the media – the media can have an impact on grieving since most homicides become front page news stories; when there is public exposure of the death, additional pain and suffering are sometimes caused to those grieving; grief can be intensified by the media’s portrayal of the homicide victim or the accused killer and invasion into the privacy of those who are grieving.
  • the criminal justice system – the criminal justice system can prolong and heighten the grieving process; the justice system and the trial process can go on for years, forcing those grieving to prolong their mourning period; grief can also be deepened by a lack of sensitivity within the system, a lack of information provided by the system, a lack of cooperation by participants in the trial, and the lack of victim rights and involvement within the justice system.
  • regardless of age, children can be told of a death in a statement that includes the following information – the person has died, this is sad and it is okay for them to talk about it; they died because something happened to their body (for younger children explain ‘dead’ as the body stopped working); and it is okay for them to ask questions about death; caregivers should be honest in answering any questions.
  • children should be told right away, told what to expect in the following days, for example, the funeral taking place, who is going to be taking care of them, etc.
  • children should be allowed to attend the funeral, however, they should not be forced to attend; ask them what they want to do and explain to them what will happen and what they can expect.
  • avoid terms such as “gone away,” “passed on” or “left us” because they can be misinterpreted; explain ‘death’ as the body no longer working.
  • encourage children to say “goodbye” to the loved one, like writing a letter, drawing a picture, placing flowers on the grave, etc.
  • children often misread parents’ expressions of emotion so they should be explained (for example, children believing their parents are crying because of them instead of knowing they are crying because they miss the loved one).
  • if parents are unable to provide for a child’s needs because of their own grief, another adult should take care of the child until the parents are better able to function.
  • be aware that young children’s reactions to death may be different from adults because they focus on grief for a shorter period of time; they may play or laugh as a way to cope, or act out death scenes to express their feelings; this behavior is completely normal for a grieving child.
  • it is important to continue to talk about the loved one and recall positive memories of them.
  • return children to their normal routine as soon as possible after the death, such as returning to school or daycare within a few days to show that life continues on; a teacher or caregiver should be informed so they can assist the child if he or she becomes upset.
  • a change to rules and expectations that occur during a time of family stress can cause a child to feel insecure or unsettled; this means that expectations of appropriate behavior must be maintained, for example: even though they are upset, it is not okay to fight with their siblings.
  • following a death, children may worry about what will happen to them if their parents die so it must be explained it is not likely, but if it were to happen, they would be taken care of.
  • “We didn’t ask to be part of his life, but when he murdered my sister, he made us a part of his life and we are never going to go away. Every time he appears in court or at a parole hearing our family will be there for her.” – sister of a murder victim
  • assist with identification and funeral plans – the survivors will still be in shock so help with these difficult tasks can be invaluable.
  • offer to assist with some daily routines – they may need help with things like groceries or caring for pets; this doesn’t mean doing everything for them but rather give them a helping hand when their focus and energy are low.
  • listen without judgment – having someone to express feelings to is important and let them know that you want to listen; never judge their need to understand and be part of the criminal justice process.
  • acknowledge the death that has occurred and how it is impacting those who are grieving.
  • show genuine concern, care and compassion – you do not have to have experienced a criminal act and know exactly what they are going through to show that you care.
  • express that you’re sorry for what happened to their loved one, and that it was not their loved one’s fault – no matter what the circumstances of the homicide, do not be judgmental of the victim (she shouldn’t have been out so late at night).
  • encourage them to be patient with themselves and to continue to participate in healthy functioning, such as friendships and activities.
  • don’t put too much pressure on yourself when helping those grieving – be willing to admit that you do not know what is best for them.
  • educate yourself about grief so you better understand what they are going through.
  • don’t take rejection personally – those grieving may not always want people around and they may not have the energy to consider your feelings all of the time.
  • educate yourself and assist them in their necessary dealings with the justice system – if possible, attend court and meetings with police and prosecutors with the victims; assist them with preparation of a “victim impact statement” if requested to do so.
  • if necessary, assist them with the media – the media can sometimes be overpowering and a spokesperson may be needed on their behalf;
  • be there to assist in the long run, not just for a few days or weeks.

Children and Grief

Children must not be forgotten in a time of grief. When a child has lost a loved one, they also experience grief. Just as not all adults grieve the same, not all children grieve the same. For younger children especially, the concept of someone gone “forever” is very difficult. This concept is difficult to understand. For older children, they may understand that their loved one is gone, but they still may have some problems or questions.

Schroeder and Gordon (1996) suggest the following ways to assist grieving children:

Holidays and Anniversaries

Once the reality has been affirmed for a survivor, it does not mean that they will no longer grieve. Special days such as holidays, birthdays and anniversaries can heighten emotional pain in the absence of the loved one lost to homicide. Holidays can bring feelings of sadness, loss and emptiness. It is important for those supporting someone who is grieving to know that love does not go away with death. A renewed personal grief can result because special days bring feelings of loss that aren’t encountered during daily routines. Although these days are associated with celebration, symbols of the day can trigger memories of the deceased. The easiest way to support survivors at these times is to listen without judgment to feelings and memories; accommodate plans to include their wishes for that day; and don’t try to make them do things that you think they should do.

The Justice System

Families of homicide victims, not only have to deal with the loss of their loved ones, but they are also thrown into a justice system that they usually know nothing about. They are confused and bewildered with the senselessness of the act that took their loved one’s life. And then, just when they think they are beginning to see some sunshine in their lives again and some beauty in the world around them, the offender seems to make headlines again with another crime or an appeal and the grieving process seems to begin all over again. This can go on for the rest of their lives, attending court, presenting victim impact statements at parole hearings, and eventually, in most cases, seeing the offender released back into their community.

Just as all individuals grieve differently, all families of homicide victims react differently to their necessary dealings with the justice system. There is no ‘right’ way or ‘wrong’ way for any family member to behave. Some feel an intense need to be there for their loved one while others cannot face the offender in court, let alone present a public victim impact statement detailing how the loss has affected them. Every family member should be left to decide for themselves the extent of their involvement. Friends and family should support them in their decisions and, if possible attend court and other hearings with them. Judging them for their decisions will only make them withdraw from friends and family and persist on their own without support. Older children should also be allowed to attend court hearings if they feel they need to be with their parents.

Assisting Families of Homicide Victims

Providing assistance or support to someone who has lost a loved one to homicide may be difficult to do, but it can make a difference in their recovery. There are a few things you can do to support homicide survivors throughout their grieving process and their necessary dealings with the justice system:

Providing Assistance and Support to Victims of Violence

This booklet is designed to provide basic guidelines to assisting and providing support to victims of violent crime. The focus is on different stages following victimization and what assistance victims generally need at these stages. As a support person, it can be difficult to know how, when and what support victims need. This booklet is intended to provide a starting point to providing the necessary assistance and support for victims of violent crime.

DEFINING VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME

“Victims of violent crime” can have varying meanings and limitations. In this discussion of crime victims, “victims” refers to the persons who have been directly harmed or have experienced loss due to the crime committed against them, immediate family members, including parents or guardians, siblings, spouses or common law spouses, and children of those against whom the violent crime has been committed. The reason for this inclusion of family members within the definition of victims is because they are also harmed and experience loss due to the crime committed against their loved ones, especially if their loved one has been murdered.

Violent crime is when an offender uses intimidation or physical force resulting in the harm of another person. Examples of violent crime include, but are not limited to: homicide, manslaughter, aggravated assault and assault causing bodily harm (see glossary for definitions). These are only a few types of violent crime and other violent crimes should not be excluded from the definition.

Although this explanation of “victim” is widely accepted, it is not the legal definition and not all courts recognize this definition. Some definitions of “victim” recognized in courts are limited to just the direct victim of the crime.

VICTIMS NEEDS

Victims of violent crime need various kinds of assistance throughout all stages of victimization. Not all victims will require the same assistance at the same time. This is meant to be a general outline of when
and how victims may need support. Some victims may not want help and their right to privacy must be respected. Victims of violent crime cannot be forced into help if they don’t want it. For those who want help, they should be provided with the services available from all types of agencies: police, court, community and system based. Ideally, victims should have services available at every stage after victimization to allow them to go through the process as smoothly as possible.

THE LOSS AND HARM DONE TO VICTIMS

There are various types of losses victims endure following a violent crime: emotional, physical, financial and social. These different types of injuries are important to recognize because they indicate the type of support required. For example, emotional loss may indicate that psychological assistance is needed or financial loss may mean that compensation is needed.

• emotional suffering: feelings of shock, depression, anxiety, shame, loss of trust or safety, and post-traumatic stress;
• physical injuries: if directly assaulted physical injuries endured; as well as physical side effects of depression or anxiety;
• financial or material loss: expenses from loss of paid work, traveling expenses, medical/counseling expenses and direct financial loss from crime;

-social difficulties: disruptions in personal relationships with others, like family and friends; disruptions in being able to work; distorted perceptions of society, for example not being able to trust anyone; disinterest in ordinary social events, and difficulty with holidays in the absence of a loved one. The types of losses experienced depend on the victim’s situation and the circumstances of the crime.

TYPES OF VICTIM SERVICES

Victims need assistance in overcoming the various harms they have experienced, and victim services have been made available by governments and through different organizations in many, but not all communities. The services vary in their main focus and resources available but all have the same goal of assisting victims. Existing victim services can be broken down into four general categories.

i) police based services: These programs begin to assist victims when they first come into contact with the criminal justice process, such as police being called to the crime scene, death notification or the arrest of an accused. They are usually located within or in conjunction with local police departments. These types of services include: death notification, providing information about the criminal justice system and investigations, assisting with victim impact statements and compensation applications.

ii) court based services: These are usually associated with the Crown Attorney’s office where the services are intended to prepare victims for court and for being witnesses within the trial process. These types of services include: information and orientation about the court process, emotional support throughout the court process if needed, witness services and meetings with the Crown.

iii) community based services: These programs are unique as they are not necessarily government operated, but may receive some government funding. These victim services tend to specialize in various areas of victimization such as: sexual assault centres, domestic violence assistance, and crisis centres. It is very common that these organizations were created by victims of crime, or employ victims of crime to help others.

iv) system based services: This type of service is meant as an ‘all-in-one’ centre where services and information about the criminal justice system, including access to both police and Crown victim services, are available. These services are important as it means victims only have to go to one place and all types of victims can be assisted.

STAGES IN ASSISTING VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME

During every stage after victimization, victims and survivors of violent crimes all require respect and, to be treated with dignity, care, understanding and compassion. In a time where assistance and support are essential, professionals run the risk of causing victims of crime more harm if they treat them with insensitivity, cruelty, a businesslike attitude or if they are even blamed. Victims require support and comfort from all those involved in the stages following their victimization.

The following stages are not absolutes, but rather various processes and situations that most victims must deal with after a violent crime has been committed against them or a family member. As not all crimes result in the arrest of an accused or a criminal trial, not all victims will go through every stage. Victims who do not go through the criminal justice system may still require assistance and support because a sense of justice, that the criminal justice system has the potential to provide, may be lacking. These stages are indicated in order to give a chronological order of events and situations some victims face. Awareness of these stages may make it easier to identify what assistance is necessary at particular times after victimization. The type of support and assistance victims need will change as the criminal justice process and their emotional healing progresses.

a) INITIAL VICTIMIZATION

Initial victimization is the immediate time after victimization, where victims of violent crime need emergency response and care. This includes medical assistance as well as mental health assistance. The primary need for a victim of violent crime is physical first-aid, as provided by hospitals and doctors, if they have experienced bodily harm. In addition to attending to physical harm, there are emotional needs which also must be met. In the case of both victims of violence and survivors of homicide there are emotional reactions to the crime. Not all people react the same way to violent crime, but there are feelings and reactions which are common. In this initial stage after victimization the feelings tend to be of shock, disbelief, disorientation, vulnerability, fear, violation, and anger. Because of these feelings experienced, immediate mental health assistance may be necessary.

SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT OF THE VIOLENT CRIME

Some assistance can be provided by crisis intervention services. Crisis intervention provides short-term assistance within 24 hours of the victimization. This assistance includes giving victims privacy; validating their feelings; dispelling blame; respecting their vulnerable state; making funeral arrangements (if required); helping during contact with police, other victims and doctors. They can also assist with informing and contacting friends or family. In addition, they can assist in providing everyday essentials such as meals and taking care of pets. This type of assistance may be necessary because victims are in a shocked and confused state. The initial impact of a crime leaves many victims feeling stunned and disoriented about these unfamiliar events occurring in their life.

For homicide survivors, it is a crucial time when being notified of the death of a loved one. Police and involved parties must be respectful and sensitive. This is when volunteer services of crisis intervention programs can be beneficial to victims.

Even though most major communities provide services such as crisis intervention, they are only short term and assistance is normally required beyond this time period. Those that come in contact with victims and their families should treat them with consideration and patience. Contact with other victims who have had a similar crime committed against them may be helpful, such victims having undergone similar experiences and circumstances.

At this stage of victimization, victims should also be provided with referrals to professionals such as psychologists, doctors and victim service agencies (if the victim requires such additional services). It should not be assumed that victims are automatically aware of the services available to them. Victims of violent crime cannot be helped if they do not know where they can go to get assistance. If victims are informed of services, at least they have the option of utilizing these services or not. Many victims will respond to services once they are aware of their existence.

b) BRIDGING THE GAP – RECOGNIZING THE VICTIM

This is the time after the initial victimization and crisis services but before the criminal justice process has begun. At this time services may be needed, but may be lacking before court victim services are available to victims. The time between the actual trial and the initial victimization can take years. In cases where an offender is not identified or charged, victims remain in this stage for a longer period of time. Victims in this case still require a great deal of support and assistance, and should not be forgotten.

In this stage, mental health care may also be needed in the form of trauma counseling or support groups. Victims may need assistance in locating an appropriate mental health care provider or support group for long term assistance with psychological and emotional needs. This stage of recovery can be seen as an adjustment phase where victims attempt to restore a sense of self and deal with blame issues. Feelings may fluctuate between competence and helplessness; apathy and anger; and calmness and anxiety. The difficulty in locating appropriate support (if that is what the victim desires) is finding a group of victims of a similar crime. For example, homicide survivors may find better assistance, support and understanding by being in contact with other homicide survivors rather than a ‘standard’ bereavement group. This is because coping with the death of a loved one who has been murdered is much different from coping with the loss of a loved one through other causes. Often, issues of violence and horrific circumstances are not properly addressed or understood in typical bereavement groups.

Referrals are needed to direct victims to the best assistance available. Victims may not be aware of the various services available to them, so they must be made aware of them. In addition, victims should also be orientated in social and medical services that may be provided if they need financial help or have experienced a disability. It may also be beneficial for victims to become aware of, and get in contact with, victim rights advocacy agencies for support and to actively participate in a program related to improving treatment of victims.

At this stage preparation for contact with police and the criminal justice system is necessary for the victim. In some situations victims need support through and must be informed about police interviews and criminal investigations of the case. Victims also need to be informed about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board that is provided by most provincial governments. (For a list of the provincial crimes compensation programs please refer to pages 24 and 25). Crimes compensation is a governmental service which provides financial compensation to victims of violent crime or to the families of murder victims.

The elements compensation can be awarded for include:

• pain and suffering
• income loss
• expenses incurred as a result of injury or death
• funeral expenses
• maintenance of dependents; or
• any other expense the Board may find to have been reasonably incurred

The financial burden sometimes imposed upon victims needs to be dealt with because it can add worry and stress to an already difficult situation. By having finances taken care of, victims’ stress may be reduced and they can focus on other impacts of the crime.

Victims need to be informed about the forthcoming trial process in order to have an understanding of what they might face. What victims need to know are the procedures in the criminal justice system and legal terminology used. In order to have a more detailed understanding of the criminal justice system additional brochures and books can be useful. Such information can be provided by courthouses or the provincial government. The various phases of criminal trials are provided here to give a basic outline of what many victims need throughout the criminal justice process.

c) COURT PROCESS

The court process is an important stage because this is where the offender is on trial and potentially receives an appropriate punishment for the crime. What victims need is to be fully informed of the trial process, receive emotional support, participation within the process and respect from criminal justice professionals. The need to be informed is essential to victims, as the criminal justice system can be confusing, disorienting and overwhelming. A courtroom can be an intimidating place and can make victims feel unwelcome. If victims have never experienced the criminal justice system before, how would they know what to expect? An example of the need of orienting victims is they may not know where they should sit in the courtroom. Confusion in the courthouse can be prevented by simply providing a tour of the courthouse, a detailed explanation of all the court proceedings they may encounter and cooperation from the Crown and police. There is no excuse for victims of violent crime to experience secondary victimization through poor treatment by the criminal justice system.

WHAT VICTIMS WANT FROM THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM

There is a misrepresentation of victims’ roles in the trial process as one of revenge against the accused. This is not the case. Most victims are simply looking for:

• a) justice or a signal that the offender is appropriately punished for the crime.
• b) prevention of others experiencing victimization and harm.

There are many different stages within the criminal justice system itself. Listed below are a few key stages which victims may confront. Victims should be notified of any and all outcomes of the case while receiving support and information throughout every stage of the court process.

(i) Arrest of Suspect and Bail Hearings

An arrest and bail hearing is necessary in order to have an offender put on trial. Arrest is when the police take a person suspected of committing a crime into custody. On the other hand, a bail hearing is the stage where the judge decides whether the accused will be held in custody before the criminal trial or released into the general public when a payment is made to the court. The difficulty at this early stage is that victims may need support in feelings about the offender and understanding their role in the criminal justice process. Victims may be consulted in charging decisions in applicable cases such as charging the accused with assault. Beforehand, it should be explained to the victim what a bail hearing is, the terminology that is used and what the possible outcomes may be. Victims should have input into such things as bail decisions and be informed if the accused is going to be released on bail. It is important that victims be protected from additional injuries and they need some sense of security. Victims’ concerns should be invited and they should have an opportunity to communicate them.

Victims may also need assistance in scheduling appointments with the Crown. The Crown should meet with the victims before court proceedings begin so they are familiar with the victims and can answer questions about the criminal justice system. The Crown must have an understanding of the victims’ situation and listen to victims concerns about the trial. If the victim is a witness, he or she needs to be treated as more than just a witness in the case but also as a victim with needs.

(ii) Pre-trial Process

The importance of the pre-trial process is plea-bargaining. Plea-bargaining is when the accused can avoid a trial by agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser offence than he or she was originally charged with. Plea-bargaining is also known as ‘plea negotiation.’ For example, pleading guilty to second-degree murder instead of being tried for first degree murder (see glossary). Plea negotiation should include the victims to give them a “voice” within the process and avoid the Crown’s needs overriding the victim’s needs. Victims should be notified of all hearings and have an understanding

of what is happening. It should also be ensured at this time that the victims fully understand the upcoming trial process and that other needs such as child care and relations with their employer are taken care of. An example of fully informing victims is explaining the official charges laid against the accused and how the evidence is presented. In the case of victims as witnesses, they should be prepared with what to expect in questioning during cross-examination and where they wait to testify. Some courthouses have a victim/witness assistance office to help victims. However, in some areas these services are not available for victims. When these services are lacking, victims require alternative services to assist them within the courthouse.

(iii) Criminal Trial Process

A basic way to assist a victim throughout the trial process is to explain what is going on during the court process. This includes explaining what to expect from the process and what is expected from them by the Crown if they are witnesses. Referrals should be given to agencies that may further help them with this information, and provide a more detailed understanding of the process and how people may perceive or react to victims at the trial. Transportation to and from the courthouse should be provided if required by victims. It may be costly or difficult for some victims to get to the courthouse and return home if they must travel a great distance. Some type of accompaniment to court proceedings should be provided as well. Although there is a need for transportation and accompaniment, they are not always provided.

The accompaniment to court is necessary to deal with seeing the accused, providing moral support, explaining proceedings as they happen, providing witness support and providing company if they must wait to testify. Victims may feel lonely, isolated and alienated because the general public may not know how to react and treat victims. Accompaniment may also make victims feel more comfortable and they don’t have to go through the experience of the trial alone. In addition, victims must be protected from intimidation and harm.

A separate waiting room is a necessity for victims. It is inappropriate and unfair for victims to wait for the trial in the same place as offenders. This exposure can result in more stress and discomfort. Victims need to feel comfortable, safe and isolated from the offender. A separate waiting room can also be a place for victims to be prepared as witnesses and possibly have contact with other victims. Some courthouses may have this type of room but it is not consistent in all courthouses.

In areas where the facilities exist, court workers should assist the victim in finding this room, and ensure that the victim is comfortable and safe in the room before leaving. Under no circumstances should a victim be left to wait where they are uncomfortable. This includes being left alone in a waiting room or having to walk down a dark alley to have a cigarette. Victims should feel comfortable and not threatened by waiting during the pre-trial and trial process.

There also should be constant communication and contact with police and the Crown throughout the process to keep victims informed of the status of the case. Victims should be forewarned of what the court proceedings will consist of each day in order to avoid being exposed to testimony or evidence that may be difficult for victims to see or hear. An example of this is seeing gruesome pictures of the murder victim or hearing detailed testimony of how a victim was murdered. Again, this service may be desired but different police officers and Crowns interact with victims differently.

Victims should have some type of financial assistance in order to be able to attend court. The cost of transportation, food and parking can add up, especially if the various court proceedings take years. This is why transportation should be provided for those that need it, compensation or even free parking should be provided. A simple effort such as providing lunch to victims relieves some of the financial burden. These services should be provided to victims but these needs are not usually met.

Victims must be made aware of all services that are available to them and sometimes require assistance that goes beyond the courthouse. In some instances, victims may need assistance in dealing with employers about time off in order to attend court or because of physical and emotional injuries. Victims may experience financial loss due to lost income and forced unemployment. In order to deal with the financial loss, victims may need assistance in preparing an application for Criminal Injuries Compensation. Financial assistance may also be required for expenses such as rent, mortgage, groceries and other essential living expenses. The time and finances invested into attending the trial may make ordinary expenses difficult to afford. Child care while attending court can also be costly for victims if they have children.

Besides preparation for the trial, preparation for the outcome is also needed. It is important that victims understand what sentence the offender may receive and what the sentencing alternatives are (if applicable). By having a prior understanding of the sentencing process, victims can be better prepared to deal with the outcome of the trial.

(iv) Post-trial and Sentencing of Offenders

What is necessary in this stage is notification of the verdict and any pleas that are made. The victim must be made aware of the verdict whether they attend court or not. If they do attend court, they must have an escort so they are not left alone to deal with the outcome of the trial. Again, this escort may provide emotional support and an explanation of the proceedings. There are two different outcomes of the trial a victim may have to endure. The first is if the accused is found not guilty of the crime. This is difficult for victims to deal with because it did not fulfill the goals expected of the criminal justice system. It does not provide justice for the crime and it does not prevent others from being victimized by the accused. This can be traumatic for victims by invoking fear of further victimization or that others will be victimized.

The second scenario is the accused being found guilty and will be sentenced. Where necessary, the minimum or maximum sentences outlined in the Criminal Code must be explained to victims in order to prepare them for what sentence the offender is legally allowed to receive.

(v) Victim Impact Statement

Victims have the opportunity to participate in the sentencing process through victim impact statements. It is important that victims are informed of victim impact statements prior to the sentencing process in order for them to prepare the statement on time. Victims may require assistance in preparing the victim impact statement in order to express themselves clearly and have appropriate content. Victims may need help in articulating themselves and dealing with the emotions surrounding the statement. They must understand that it is a written statement and the purpose of the impact statement is to describe the impact of the crime on their life and not their opinions about the accused.

What is a victim impact statement?

A victim impact statement is a written description of the harm that has been caused by the crime. The type of harm that may be addressed includes physical, financial and emotional. This is an important way victims are able to participate in the trial process and express what losses they have experienced.

Who can complete a victim impact statement?

The direct victim of the crime may make an impact statement, however, if they are unable to make the statement, someone may do so on their behalf. This includes the victims’ spouses, relatives or guardians.

When is a victim impact statement presented and how?

The stage in the trial when a victim impact statement is made is after the offender has been convicted of the offence but before the sentence has been determined. This statement made by the victims, or on their behalf, is considered by the judge when sentencing but is not the only factor in determining the sentence the offender should receive. The written victim impact statement is filed with the court. The defence and the accused are given a copy of it. It is important the contents of the statement are accurate because it is possible in some instances the victim can be cross-examined about the impact of the crime.

d) AFTER COURT PROCESS

Once the criminal justice process has ended, that does not mean the effects of the crime disappear. There is still interaction with the criminal justice process in the post-sentencing stage and the impact of the crime is still felt once contact with the criminal justice system has ended. Victims can remain involved with the handling of the offender through the Correctional Services of Canada.

Post-sentencing

Even after an offender has been sentenced and is possibly serving jail time, interaction with the criminal justice system has not ended for the victim. Years after the trial, victims may encounter probation and parole hearings. Required services for victims include being informed as to what parole or probation processes are; being informed if the offender is eligible for probation or parole, and emotional support throughout the process. Victims should also be made aware of their rights in regards to participation in processes after the trial.

Probation is when the offender is found guilty of an offence but is released by the court and must obey certain rules set out by the court. This concerns offenders who have been sentenced for less than two years in custody. If the offender breaches conditions set out by the court, the probation can be cancelled and the offender may face being sentenced to jail time. Conditions of probation may include prohibition of carrying firearms, remaining within a specific geographic area and not having contact with the victim.

Conditional release is the release of offenders to the community with control, supervision and support provided by Corrections Canada. Parole is the conditional release of offenders who will serve part of their sentence in the community. This means offenders may be temporarily absent from prison, released in order to work or released on day parole. They must abide by certain conditions set out by Correctional Services, such as a prohibition of carrying weapons. In essence, an offender does not complete the full jail time she or he was sentenced to. It is up to the National Parole Board to decide whether an offender is qualified for this form of early release. It is important for victims to be informed of National Parole Board hearings because information the victim can provide (in the form of another victim impact statement) can be considered by the National Parole Board in making its decision. Victims should be informed of when hearings are going to be held, their right to attend and present a victim impact statement, the outcome of the hearings and if an offender is released from jail early. Such informative services can be provided through telephone access to updates on the offender in some areas or from the parole officers themselves. This knowledge allows victims to know the offender’s status ahead of time rather than hearing it from the media or encounters with the offender if he or she is released.

Victims are entitled to information about offenders such as:

• when the sentence began,
• the length of the sentence and
• dates the offender becomes eligible for unescorted temporary absences and parole. More information may be provided if the Chairperson of the National Parole Board or the Commissioner of Corrections finds the victim’s interest outweighs any invasion of an offender’s privacy.

This information can include: whether the offender is in custody; the penitentiary where the offender is incarcerated; the date of any hearing; the date and type of release; the destination of the offender after release; and the conditions of the release. Victims are not automatically given this information but rather must request it. Those who want ongoing updates must ensure the National Parole Board has a way to contact them.

Victims should also be aware of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA). This is legislation which outlines the regulations and conditions of administering punishment in custody. It also outlines the circumstances in which offenders are released from custody. One of the types of release outlined in the Act is statutory release. This means an offender is legally entitled to be released into the community after 2/3 of the sentence has been served. It is similar to parole in the sense that the offender serves the last 1/3 of the sentence in the community under supervision and must abide by set conditions. Not all offenders are entitled to statutory release. The exceptions include those who have previously been on statutory release but had it revoked and those with indeterminate sentences (sentences where there is no established limit on the amount of time the offender will spend in custody).

How can victims be involved in these post-sentencing situations?

For parole, victims can provide the National Parole Board with information about the impact the crime has had on their life, can obtain information on the offender’s status and can observe a hearing of the offender, if permitted.

For statutory release, victims can provide information to be considered in the decision making process of Correctional Services of Canada and be notified about the offender’s status as requested.

Probation is a little more complicated since there is not a set standard for the information victims are entitled to. Possibilities for victim involvement with probation include: notifying the probation officer if an offender violates orders to have no contact with the victim; or probation officers can inform victims of some of the details of the probation order or notify the victim if the offender is being released into the same area the victim resides in. There are limitations to what information victims can receive, however, immediate danger to the victim is considered.

Post Criminal Justice Process

After the criminal justice process has been completed, victims may feel an emotional ‘letdown’. This is because the trial, which may have taken years to complete, has been the primary focus regarding the impact of the crime. Once this process is over, victims no longer have a central focus of seeking justice and may feel ‘lost’ with what to do after the trial. The contact with the police and court is generally terminated. This is when victims must deal with the emotional impacts of the crime in order to avoid long term psychological difficulties, such as chronic depression. Healing is important in order to deal with the impact of the crime on a day to day basis.

Once the services provided by the criminal justice system have ended, community services can provide the assistance required. Such assistance may be community support and networking with victims of similar crimes. Again, victims must be informed and have access to these types of services. At this time, involvement with victim advocacy groups and actually assisting other victims themselves may help their own healing process. A ‘chain’ of support available to victims would be the ideal situation. In the case of homicide survivors, assistance may also be needed for such things as memorials, anniversaries of the death of the loved one or special occasions such as Christmas where the impact of the loss may be accelerated.