PLEA gratefully acknowledges our primary core funder the Law Foundation of Saskatchewan for their continuing and generous support of our organization.
Victims of crime may be able to receive compensation for some costs that result from the crime.
Victims have the right to information about financial compensation that is available to them.
There is a fund that provides compensation to victims of crime. It is funded in part by surcharges that are added to fines for things like speeding. If you are a victim of crime, you can apply for compensation for reasonable expenses you have as a result of the crime. You may only apply if you were the victim of a crime involving personal violence, such as:
Compensation is not available for property damage, pain and suffering or legal fees. Expenses related to property crimes are not covered by the fund, but you can apply for restitution.
If the victim is a child, a parent or guardian can make the application. If the victim is a dependent adult, their guardian can make the application. If the victim does not have capacity, another person can be allowed to make the application on the victim's behalf. If the victim is deceased, a dependent can make an application for compensation.
To be able to apply for compensation, you must have reported the crime to the police. You can apply for compensation if you have reported the crime even if no charges are laid or no one is convicted of the crime. The crime must have occurred in Saskatchewan.
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Compensation may be awarded to cover:
There are maximum amounts set out for each type of expense. If a victim receives money from other sources, such as an insurance plan or civil lawsuit, that amount may be deducted from any compensation. A formal appeal process is also available in the case of disagreements about compensation decisions.
You do not need a lawyer to apply for compensation. Application forms and additional information is available online and from local Victim Services programs. Your local Police-based Victim Services can help you with the application.
Applications for compensation should be made as soon as possible. Applications will normally not be accepted after two years have passed since the crime was committed. Victims of sexual assaults, however, have two years from the time the crime was reported to the police to apply.
A victim does not have to wait for the result of a police investigation or trial before applying. In fact, things like counselling funds are intended to assist victims while they are involved in the criminal justice process. It is important to apply before court proceedings have concluded.
Victims of interpersonal violence can also apply for compensation through a victim’s assistance order.
PLEA offers free online training on preventing and addressing workplace harassment.