Victims of crime need more support, says ombudsman

Sue O'Sullivan, the federal ombudsman for victims of crime, says victims need more rights and support as they go through the justice system.

O'Sullivan, who was in Nunavut last week, released a report outlining ways to help victims become more involved in the justice system.

"For victims, it can be lifelong," O'Sullivan said. "They may need some very practical supports at the provincial and territorial level — could be things like counselling, could be financial support."

O'Sullivan said communication with victims needs to improve.

"In this report, we have some very practical, some very doable recommendations for government, which will have a direct impact on the treatment and enhancing rights of victims of crime," she said.

Some of O'Sullivan's recommendations are:

Allowing victims to attend parole hearings.

Allowing people to see a current photograph of an offender upon release.

Providing information on an offender's rehabilitation programs and progress.

O'Sullivan is sharing her findings with the RCMP, Nunavut's justice minister and the Crown's office.

Janet Brewster began using victims' services in Nunavut after her aunt was murdered by her common-law husband in 2004. Brewster said it is time the justice system put more emphasis on victims' rights.

For example, it wasn't until a few years ago that Brewster learned she could get regular updates on an offender's whereabouts.

"That entire system is basically void of any human touch. It's quite a difficult system to navigate," she said.

Brewster attended the trial and found she was advocating for her aunt's children. She said no one was there to ensure they had the help they needed.

"The idea of walking away from her was just not possible," she said.

"Knowing that somebody was there everyday — sitting there, looking at the back of his head, holding him accountable silently — through those entire proceedings was really, really important to all of us."

Brewster said support for victims should continue after the trial. She said she worries that people who are traumatized by crimes are at risk of becoming offenders themselves.

"By not addressing and meeting the needs of victims of crime, you're in a sense creating another batch of possible offenders," she said.

Brewster said she would like to get updates on the offender's rehabilitation, but that information is private under current regulations.