Families of Homicide Victims Receive Enhanced Services

The province is doubling the amount of money and extending the amount of time available for counselling for immediate family members of homicide victims in Nova Scotia.

Under the Criminal Injuries Counselling Program, the maximum counselling award has increased from $2,000 to $4,000. The amount of time to use it is also increasing from within two years of approval to one year beyond the date of completion of the court process.

The two amendments to the Victims' Rights and Services Act take effect today, Aug. 26. The enhanced services are retroactive, provided the prosecution case has not been completed.

"Government wants to ensure immediate family members receive the support they need during such a difficult time," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry. "These changes will help alleviate some of the emotional burden these families are experiencing."

This year marks 20 years of victim services at the Department of Justice. The victims services division was created in 1989 to reduce the effects of crime on the people in Nova Scotia. Last year, the victims services division helped more than 6,000 Nova Scotians.

For application forms and more information on programs available to victims of crime, visit www.gov.ns.ca/just/victim_services or call toll-free at 1-888-470-0773.