Sexual abuse survivors: Province cuts crime victims fund

In September, the Ontario Government announced supports meant to “make it easier for victims of violent crime and their families to get the help they need when and where they need it most” [1]. These changes include both an “enhanced” Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+); and, unfortunately, an end to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) — a program used often by survivors of sexual violence.

While the enhanced VQRP may be effective for some victims of crime, we at Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres know it won’t be accessible to most survivors of sexual violence.

What’s more, the end of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board will impact sexual violence survivors significantly, reducing their access to long-term counselling options.

Many victims of historical sexual crimes are no longer eligible for compensation at all.

Read more here about what the end of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board means for survivors of sexual violence in Ontario.


[1] Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario). Ontario Providing New Supports to Victims of Crime Government making system faster and easier to navigate. Online: September 6, 2019. Online here.  

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

  • Sexual Violence Advocacy and Campus Communities in Ontario

    Sexual violence can happen anywhere. Yet, colleges and universities in Canada are home to those who are at the highest statistical risk of experiencing sexual violence. Read the brief here. [...]

  • Hockey Canada and sexual violence: Ontario Coalition of Rape Crisis Centres (OCRCC) responds

    Hockey Canada continues to face critical reaction to its management of sexual violence. The sports organization – which is responsible for establishing rules and standards, promoting the sport, and international [...]

  • Papal apology to Indigenous Peoples in Canada: OCRCC responds

    In a visit across Canada, Pope Francis asked for "forgiveness in the name of the church" for its part in Canada's residential school system, the church’s attempts to erase Indigenous [...]