OPB Victim support
This page provides detailed information on the role of victims of crime in the parole hearing and decision process.
On this page
Who is a victim?
A victim is a person who suffers physical, financial, or emotional harm as a result of an offence(s). If a victim is under 16 years of age, a parent or guardian can be considered a victim. If a victim is unable to present a statement at a parole hearing (for example: if they are deceased or sick) the following people may represent the victim:
- a spouse or common law partner of the victim
- a family member of the victim
- a parent or guardian of the victim, or a dependant of the victim
Victim input
When considering an applicant for parole, the Ontario Parole Board (OPB) welcomes input from, and the participation of, victims of crime in parole hearings.
The OPB recognizes the role of victims in the criminal justice system and believes victims are an important part of the early release parole decision-making process. In addition to information the OPB receives from the police, the courts, and corrections, the OPB welcomes information from the victim of the offence to support the decision-making process. This information will be considered along with all the other information the OPB has access to.
Victim support
Victims should contact the Ministry of the Attorney General’s (MAG) Ontario Victim Support Line to discuss a specific applicant. Victims can ask whether the specific applicant has a scheduled parole hearing or has been released. Victims may also call for information on local victim supports and services, or for general information about the criminal justice system.
Ontario Victim Support Line:
Tel.: 416-314-2447
Toll Free Tel.: 1-888-579-2888
Victim Notification System (VNS)
Victims should register with the Victim Notification System (VNS) to receive automated voicemail messages whenever there is a change in an applicant’s status, including notification of parole hearings and release from custody. To register with VNS, please contact the Ministry of the Attorney General’s (MAG) Ontario Victim Support Line.
Victim participation options
A Case Management Officer (CMO) is a staff member of the OPB who is responsible for case file management, scheduling parole hearings, and providing information to victims about the parole process. When a victim initiates contact with the OPB (by phone or email), a CMO will contact the victim to discuss the participation options below:
- not participate – A victim’s participation is voluntary;
- submit a written Victim Submission Form to the OPB;
- attend the applicant’s parole hearing and make an oral submission; or
- attend the applicant’s parole hearing as an observer.
Victim submission
Victims may provide a written submission or attend the applicant’s parole hearing and give an oral submission.
Victims may give an oral submission if they attend a parole hearing but are not required to do so.
Written submission
If you would like to make a written submission, the CMO will give you a Victim Submission Form to complete. The CMO will let you know the deadline for submitting the completed form and ensure the OPB members receive the information before making a decision.
A victim submission is the victim’s opportunity to tell the OPB about the physical, financial, and emotional impact the offence has had on them, their family, and their community.
The victim may also tell the OPB about any recommendations that they or their family have about whether the applicant should be granted parole, and, if parole is granted, what conditions the OPB should consider imposing on the applicant to protect the victim and the community at large.
Oral submission
To make an oral submission you must attend the applicant’s hearing. Attending and presenting at a parole hearing may be very stressful.
To assist you with your thoughts and feelings, it is highly recommended that you write your submission beforehand and read it at the hearing.
The parole applicant and their assistant are not permitted to ask you any questions during the hearing. In some cases, the OPB members may ask you questions for clarification purposes.
IMPORTANT:
Any submission to the OPB, including the victim submission, becomes part of the OPB’s case file and may be shared with the parole applicant. The submission may also be referred to by the OPB in its decision. The OPB is required by law to withhold any information from the parole applicant where it believes:
- the information would jeopardize:
- the safety of any person
- the security of a correctional institution
- the conduct of any lawful investigation, or
- Providing the information to the parole applicant would be contrary to the public interest.
Please note that the parole applicant will not be provided with private victim information such as an address or telephone number.
Attending a hearing
Victims who wish to attend or participate in a hearing must contact the OPB as soon as possible after receiving notification of the hearing date.
Email the OPBRegistrar@ontario.ca and request to submit a Victim Application to Attend a Parole Hearing Form. A CMO will contact you to assist you with the application process.
The application must be submitted prior to the hearing date. An OPB member must review and approve the application before a victim may attend a hearing. The CMO will let you know the deadline for submitting the application.
The OPB conducts most hearings virtually over Zoom. The applicant joins the hearing from the provincial correctional institutions where the applicant is serving their sentence. All attendees will receive the Zoom hearing information and will attend virtually.
If a hearing is held in-person, attendees must go through a security screening prior to being granted permission to attend the hearing. The institution has the right to deny access due to security reasons even after the OPB has approved their attendance at the hearing.
If the applicant gives up (waives) their right to a hearing, the OPB will still consider all relevant information on file and decide whether the applicant is eligible for parole. The applicant will receive a written decision.
If the applicant waives their right to be considered for parole entirely, the OPB will not hold a parole hearing. The applicant will not receive a written decision.
Funding for victims to attend hearings
The Victim’s Justice Fund is a fund created by the Ontario Government that provides victims with some financial assistance for expenses if they are attending an in-person parole hearing. For more information about the Victim’s Justice Fund, please visit the Ministry of the Attorney General’s website.