Registering as a victim of crime
Who is a victim?
You are considered a victim if you were physically hurt, emotionally harmed, suffered financial loss, or had property damaged because of a crime. Emotional harm can include fear, anxiety, stress, or trauma caused by what happened.
You may also be considered a victim if a close family member died as a result of a crime. In these cases, a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or other close relative may register to receive information.
If the victim is under 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian can register on the child’s behalf. If a victim is unable to act for themselves due to illness, disability, or other reasons, someone else may register for them with proper authorization.
In some situations, you may still be able to register even if the offender was not prosecuted or convicted, as long as a formal complaint was made to police or to the Crown.
Why Register?
When you register, you can receive updates about the person who harmed you and take part in decisions about their release
Once registered, you can be told when the person becomes eligible for parole and when release decisions are made. You may also be notified of transfers, temporary absences, parole hearings and release dates.
Registration also gives you the opportunity to submit a victim statement for consideration during parole decisions and to attend parole hearings, either in person or virtually, when approved. Victim statements can also be updated, as over time the effects of a crime can change.
Registering does not affect the offender’s sentence, but it ensures your voice can be heard and that you are informed about decisions that may impact your safety and well-being.
Privacy and Safety
Your privacy is important. The offender is not told that you registered as a victim.
Your contact information, such as your address, phone number, and email, is not shared with the offender. We share information with you in ways that protect your privacy and safety, such as the Victims Portal, by mail, or by phone.
If you choose to share a victim statement, the person who committed the offence may see the parts that impact release decisions. Your personal contact details will not be shared, but your name may be included in the statement.
You can choose how you want to receive information, and you can update your contact details at any time.
If you have concerns about your safety, you can speak with a Victim Services Officer for guidance and support.
How to Register
To register and receive updates or share your views, complete a request with Correctional Service Canada or the Parole Board of Canada.
You need to be 18 years of age or older to apply to receive information about an offender.
If you are under 18 and were harmed by the offender, a parent or legal guardian may apply on your behalf.
Registration is free and voluntary.
Option 1 : Register by Paper Form
- You may register by completing a “Request for Victim Registration” form.
- The form allows you to apply for services from Correctional Service Canada, the Parole Board of Canada, or both.
Find and prepare the form
In order to complete a paper copy of the application, you can obtain the form here.
CSC's victim services officers (VSOs) can assist you with the registration process. You can contact a VSO by:
phone: 1-866-806-2275, or
email: victims-victimes@csc-scc.gc.ca
- Complete all required sections.
Sign and date the form.
Submit the form in one of the following ways:
- Submitting by email to victims-victimes@csc-scc.gc.ca
- Mailing it to the nearest CSC or PBC office.
-
- Correctional Services Canada
3427 Faithfull Ave
PO Box 9223
Saskatoon SK
S7K 8H6
- Correctional Services Canada
OR
-
- Parole Board of Canada
Canada Place
#720, 9700 Jasper Ave NW
Edmonton, AB
T5J 4C3
- Parole Board of Canada
Option 2 : Register Online
Before you begin
You will need to have a valid email address to access Government of Canada secure services, including the Victims Portal. Free email accounts are available through providers such as Gmail, Outlook, or Yahoo Mail if needed. If you are already registered as a victim with Correctional Service Canada or the Parole Board of Canada, you can still create a Victims Portal account to access services online.PLEASE NOTE
Registration is not automatic. Even if you were involved in court proceedings, you have to register separately to receive updates about a federal offender.
If you are unsure whether the offender is serving a federal sentence of two years or more, you can contact Correctional Service Canada for clarification.
Information provided to victims
If you register as a victim, you may receive information about the offender’s federal sentence and release process. Some information is provided automatically. Other details may be shared if you request them and if it is appropriate to do so.
You may receive information about:
- The offender’s name, the offence they were convicted of, the court that sentenced them, and the length of their sentence.
- Important dates, including when the sentence began and when the offender becomes eligible for parole or other types of release.
- Upcoming parole hearings and the results of those hearings. You may also request a copy of a Parole Board decision.
- Certain types of release, including the offender’s release date and any conditions of release, unless sharing that information would negatively affect public safety.
- The institution where the offender is being held and, in some cases, transfers between institutions.
- Serious changes in custody status, such as an escape or the offender’s death while serving their sentence.
In some situations, you may request additional information. This can include whether the offender is participating in correctional programs or making progress toward meeting the goals set out in their correctional plan. These requests are reviewed carefully. Information will be shared if it is allowed under the law and does not affect public safety.
If you choose to appoint a victim representative, that person may receive this information on your behalf. You can change or remove a representative at any time.
