Reporting

Has it been too long to press charges?

Often times, people who are survivors of sexual abuse wonder if it is too late to contact the police and move forward with charges.

There is absolutely NO statute of limitations for sexual assault/abuse in Canada. This being said, it can be more difficult to move forward with a case that involves historical abuse. Many factors affect the police and Crown Attorney in laying charges and going forward in the justice system. Some of these factors may include:

  • Current information about the abuser (e.g., whether or not you know the perpetrator)
  • Lack of forensic evidence
  • Lack of witnesses or people who can support the information you have given them
  • Lack of medical records
  • The victim’s ability/inability to recall details and act as a witness in court

All of these issues are something that you can discuss with the appropriate support people.

At the Durham Rape Crisis Centre, we can provide information and support while you decide if reporting is the right choice for you.

If you would like more information, please call Michaela at 416-278-9086 or email michaela@drcc.ca.

Read more information about getting medical care, contacting the police, or the Court process.

Canadian Victims Bill of Rights

Enacted on July 23rd, 2015, the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights creates clear rights for victims of crime, and requires that these rights be considered during each step of the criminal justice system. The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights provides four principal rights to victims:

  • Right to information: Victims have the right to receive information about the justice system, and about the services and programs available to them. Victims may also obtain specific information on the progress of the case, including information on the investigation, prosecution and sentencing of the person who harmed them.
  • Right to protection: Victims have the right to have their security and privacy considered at all stages of the criminal justice process, and to have reasonable and necessary protection from intimidation and retaliation. Victims also have the right to ask for a testimonial aid at court appearances.
  • Right to participation: Victims have the right to present victim impact statements and have them considered in court. Victims also have the right to express their views about decisions that affect their rights. Victims have been provided with more meaningful participation in the criminal justice system through changes that:
    • require judges to include in records of bail proceedings that they have considered the victim’s safety and security;
    • add the acknowledgement of harm done to victims and the community as a sentencing objective under the Criminal Code;
    • allow victims to use a testimonial aid when they present their victim impact statement in court;
    • allow victims to bring a photo of the victim to court while giving their victim impact statement;
    • provide a standard form for victim and community impact statements to ensure consistency in how victims describe to the court the impact the crime had on them, including any physical or emotional harm, property damage, or financial loss; and
    • allow victims to include a picture or a drawing in their victim impact statement if this helps them to better express the impact the crime had on them.
  • Right to seek restitution: Victims have the right to have the court consider making a restitution order, and having an unpaid restitution order enforced through a civil court. Victims need to request a standard form from the Crown attorney or a police officer to claim losses. 

More information about the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights is available on the Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime website: https://www.canada.ca/en/office-federal-ombudsperson-victims-crime/cvbr-ccdv.html. To read the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights in full, visit the Department of Justice Canada website: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-23.7/page-1.html.