» Witness Assistance

What is the VWAP program all about ?

The criminal justice system can be confusing to someone who has never been involved in a case before. Sometimes, the language that is used in the courts or on forms can be difficult to understand. Some people think appearing in court is inconvenient or frightening. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program is designed to help those who are invovled in a cirminal case either because they are victims of a crime, or because they have been called as a witness to testify in a case.

What Specifically will the VWAP Program do ?

This depends on the person who needs the services and the type of case they are involved. Services available include:

Tour of the courtroom - Sometimes, people are less frightened of the court proceedings if they are familiar with the courtroom. Program staff will take you into an empty courtroom and show you where the judge and lawyers sit, and the place from where witnesses testify.

Pre-Court Interview - If you have questions or concenrs about appearing in court, program staff will meed with you. If they don't have the answers you need. they will get them for you.

Emotional Support - Facing a group of strangers while testifying is difficult for some people. The program will arrange to have someone sit with you before and during the court proceedings.

Information - Program staff will answer your questions about the status of your case. If you have questions about when you have to appear,or what happened to the case after you gave your evidence, the coordinator or volunteer will get the information for you.

Are Services Available in Other Languages? Program staff will arrange for interpreters whenever they are needed. Every victim and every prosecution witness is entitled to this kind of help, no matter what language they speak.

Referrals - Other groups and agencies may also be able to offer help depending upon the nature of the case. The program staff can help you find these other agencies or groups where you might be able to get further assistance. One example of this is the Crminal Injuries Compensation Board.

For more information or to speak with someone from the VWAP Program, they are located at:

Ministry of the Attorney General - VWAP Program
35 Meredith St, Unit 2
P.O. Box 509
Gore Bay, Ontario P0P 1H0

Tel: 705-282-1923

Fax: 705-282-1922