Victims of crime given stronger voice
in justice system
Victims of crime will be able to personally attend parole board hearings and speak out against the early release of the offenders who victimized them. Bob Runciman, Minister of Public Safety and Security, said today as the new legislation passed.
“For far too long the needs of victims of crime have been
overlooked in the criminal justice process,” said Runciman. “Our
government has been steadily making changes to give victims the voice they
deserve. Bill 60, the Victim Empowerment Act – strengthens that
voice and provides victims with more protection.”
Under the new act, a victim of crime will be able to attend parole
board hearings and speak to the parole board panel. They will be able to
outline to the parole board panel the impact of the crime on them and
their families and the continuing effects of the crime.
“This is a significant step forward for victims of crime in
Ontario,” said Sharon Rosenfeldt, chair of a provincial Office for
Victims of Crime. “Many victims of crime want to be part of the process
at all stages of the criminal justice system and this act will enable them
to do that.”
“I strongly endorse this initiative to make victims’ rights an
important factor in the decision-making process,” said J. Louis Theoret,
chair of the Ontario Parole and Earned Release Board.
Under the act, the government will also be able to monitor – and
block if necessary – inmate telephone calls to the outside world. This
action will help prevent offenders from making harassing calls to victims
and their families. It will also help deter inmates from dealing with
outside contacts and engaging in criminal activity while in custody.
The new act also provides a zero-tolerance policy for acts of
aggression or violence by offenders against correctional staff and
establishes grooming standards for inmates.
Ministry’s Office
(416) 325-5982
For more information visit
www.mcs.gov.on.ca.