Victims and Survivors of Crime Week - Part 1

This year, May 15 through May 21 was Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in Canada. Across the country, various organizations and levels of government held events highlighting the experiences of victims and survivors of crime.

For our part, Communication Access to Justice took this opportunity to highlight the impact of communication disabilities on victims navigating the justices system. From reporting crime, to having their stories understood, to serving as witnesses at trial, those with communication disabilities face significant barriers. These barriers often make them even more likely to be victimized than other Canadians.

Communication intermediaries represent one of the most effective ways of accommodating people with communication disabilities in the justice system. These trained, neutral intermediaries provide the support these individuals need to more equitably access the justice system. This equitable access is a critical part addressing the over representation of victims among the communication disability community. Unfortunately, for most Canadians - and many justice professionals - communication disabilities, their impacts on equitable access to justice, and how these disabilities can be accommodated through the use of a communication intermediary are not well known.

Today marks the release of the first of three videos developed by Communication Access to Justice, and generously supported by Justice Canada through its Victims and Survivors of Crime Week funding. In this video we highlight the impact of communication intermediaries on the experiences of victims of crime as they navigate the justice system. Seeing is believing, and the value of accommodating communication disabilities is clear when described by those directly involved.

In the weeks to come, look forward to two additional videos. The next in our series will discuss the experiences of victims specifically. The last then presents the perspective of the justice professionals who work with victims.