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Minors who witness violence

Minors who witness violence on a parent, family member, or someone they have a close personal attachment to, can get immediate counselling.

Overview

Minors who witness violence can get immediate specialized psychological counselling supports. This service is intended to:

  • reduce the immediate and long-term emotional and psychological risks associated with witnessing criminal violence against a family member or loved-one
  • promote the emotional and psychological healing, recovery, and safety of the child or adolescent through a range of trauma therapy techniques
  • provide access to specialized counselling supports and services while the primary victim is engaged in the justice system process

Eligibility

A minor child may be eligible if:

  • the witness to the offence is under the age of 18 years
  • the witnessed offence is related to a violent crime
  • the crime took place in Alberta
  • the crime was reported to a police station as soon as possible after it happened
  • the application was submitted within 2 years of the date of the crime – in special circumstances this may be extended

And where:

  • the minor has a pre-existing strong emotional attachment to the person who was harmed by the crime
  • the minor witnessed the start or immediate aftermath of the crime first-hand
  • the violent crime is related to domestic violence, or an eligible Criminal Code (Canada) offence

How to apply

Step 1. Fill out the form

A parent or guardian of the minor should fill out the application form.

Step 2. Submit the application form

Submit the completed application to the Victims of Crime Assistance Program.

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Fax: 780-422-4213
  • Mail:
    Victims of Crime Assistance Program
    10th Floor, 10365 97 St NW
    Edmonton, AB T5J 3W7

Contact

Connect with the Victims Assistance Program:

Phone: 780-427-7217
Toll free: 310-0000 (from anywhere in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]

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