The Rights of Youth Crime Victims

Last updated on June 9, 2021

The Youth Criminal Justice Act states victims should be treated with courtesy, compassion and respect for their dignity and privacy and should be inconvenienced as little as possible as a result of their involvement with the youth criminal justice system. Victims of youth crimes are entitled to be provided with information about proceedings and given an opportunity to participate and be heard.

Specific rights of victims include the right:

  • To know the name of the youth who committed the crime and the charges
  • To know the date and time when any court hearing will take place
  • To write a victim impact statement describing the effect the crime has had

A victim service worker can help you to exercise these rights. Find a local victim service worker by calling VictimLinkBC, toll free, at 1-800-563-0808.

Reporting a Crime

If you are a victim or witness to a crime, report the incident to police. Visit Reporting a Crime and How to Report a Crime.

More Information

For more information, see:

Law Lessons

Visit the Justice Education Society's Law Lessons website for law curriculum resources for teachers.