Community Submission- By Sara Sicherman
A plain-language breakdown for Hillhurst-Sunnyside and Calgary residents
When you or someone you care about is impacted by crime, one of the first feelings is often uncertainty: What happens next? How long should I wait? Can I ask questions? Who do I ask? Does anyone actually care what I need?
Navigating the justice system can feel like being dropped into a foreign country without a map. The signs don’t make sense, the timeline moves at glacial speed, and the language is a hybrid between legalese and pay-walled chaos. You shouldn’t need a law degree to decode a system built to serve the public, especially when you’re already navigating a stressful situation.
Trust me, I get it. But who am I?
Hi - I’m Sara.
(Photo Credit: Heidi Grace Photography)
I’m a criminal lawyer and legal consultant based right here in Calgary, in fact, I’m a Sunnyside resident myself. I earned my law degree at UCalgary Law, and before launching my own practice, I spent five years working as a Crown Prosecutor here in Calgary. I handled files ranging from intimate partner violence to sexual violence to child abuse, and everything in between.
I’ve learned the ins, outs, and upside-downs of the criminal justice system through my work and through my own personal experiences. Those challenges I mentioned above (and then some) lit a fire under me that ultimately led me to leave prosecution and launch Justice Pathway in January 2025.
But that’s enough about me! Let’s talk about what you’re here for: understanding your rights as a victim of crime in Alberta.
Below is a simple, plain-language overview of your key rights as a victim of crime in Alberta, grounded in two pieces of legislation: the Alberta Victims of Crime and Public Safety Act and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights (part of the Criminal Code of Canada framework).
You don’t need to memorize legal language to understand what you’re entitled to- you just need the right translation. Let’s get into it.
The Big Four: Information, Participation, Protection, and Support
1. Right to Information
What the law says: You have the right to receive timely information about your case, the justice process, and available support services.
Real-life meaning:
This means the system can’t treat you like an outsider to your own case. You’re allowed to know what’s happening, even before charges are laid.
Examples you might hear in a neighbourhood setting:
“Has the accused been released from custody?”
“What conditions are in place to keep them away from me or my family?”
“When is the next court date, and what type of appearance is it?”
“Who is the Crown prosecutor assigned to the file?”
Practical example:
Your child was a witness to a crime at Riley Park, and the accused has since been released. You are entitled to ask:
“Do they have a no-contact or no-go order, and how far do they have to stay away from us?”
You can also ask for updates through:
The Crown’s office
Victim Services Alberta
Calgary Police Service - Victim Assistance Support Team
The system’s job is to inform you. Not the other way around.
**Real Talk Note: This is what should happen, but in practice, it doesn’t always go that way. Many of my clients came to me because they hadn’t heard anything and had no idea who to contact or where to turn. If this has been your experience, you’re not alone.
2. Right to Participation
What the law says: You have the right to share your views, ask questions, and be considered in key decisions (like peace bond conditions or publication ban choices). You can also attend court proceedings.
Real-life meaning:
You are not passive in this process. You are allowed to have a voice, and the system must consider it in decisions that impact your safety or privacy.
Examples:
Publication ban: Don’t want your name published? You can request one.
Note: Some bans are automatic, especially for vulnerable victims/witnesses in sexual offence cases, young persons, and certain sensitive pre-trial hearings.
Release conditions: If the accused lives or works near you, you can say: “I want a 100-metre no-go around my home and workplace.” (Many conditions are in place from the start, but you can also ask about adding, changing, or removing them.)
Victim Impact Statement: If a case moves forward to sentencing, you can file a Victim Impact Statement explaining how the crime affected you emotionally, physically, financially, and socially.
Practical example:
Your partner assaulted you and CPS is now involved. You can tell the prosecutor:
“I want to be consulted before any resolution is reached. I don’t want any contact at all with my partner. Please update me if anything changes.”
Participation can be as simple as being asked what you need and being allowed to say it - in everyday words.
**Real Talk Note: Again, this is how it’s supposed to work. But many people reach out to me because they don’t feel heard or they don’t feel their wishes are being canvassed. Sometimes they need someone in their corner to break down what’s happening and advocate for them in a system that can be intimidating to stand up to. Your wishes may not always determine the final outcome, but your voice matters and deserves to be heard.
3. Right to Protection
What the law says: You have the right to reasonable safety measures, privacy considerations, and protection from intimidation or retaliation.
Real-life meaning:
Safety isn’t just about physical distance - it includes emotional and digital (online) safety too.
Examples:
No-contact order: The accused is messaging you from unknown accounts, trying to pressure you to drop charges? You can report this and ask the police to enforce the no-contact order.
Safe testimony: If you were subpoenaed to testify, you may qualify for accommodations such as:
A physical barrier in place between you (while at the witness stand) and the accused
In some cases, testifying from another room
In cases of intimate partner violence, HomeFront also has a remote testimony room located in their office downtown Calgary.
In cases involving child witnesses, the Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre has resources for remote testimony
A support person sitting beside you (or a support dog!)
For child witnesses: The Luna Centre also offers court therapy tools and prep, and organizations like the Canadian Child Abuse Association offer programs to help children and their families prepare for the court process
Practical example:
The accused is your ex-partner, and seeing them while you testify would make it harder to speak freely or honestly. You ask the prosecutor to get permission from the judge for you to give evidence from the protected space at the HomeFront Remote Testimony Room instead of the main courtroom.
“I can’t speak freely if they’re staring at me. I want to give my evidence from the HomeFront testimony room, by video.”
Protection also means:
You shouldn’t have to cross paths with your accused on 10th Street
You shouldn’t be forced to retell traumatic details without support
You get to decide if you want your identity shielded in media
The law expects the system to take steps to keep you safe, protect your privacy, and respond when boundaries are crossed.
**Real Talk Note: These protections usually require the prosecutor to file a formal application to the judge. That’s why it helps to make your request early – ideally as soon as charges move forward or testimony becomes likely. The Crown may ask for background information to support the application. That’s not you having to “prove yourself” – it’s simply what the court needs to approve the protections you’re already entitled to ask for.
4. Right to Support
What the law says: You have the right to access support services, emotional assistance, and resources to help you through the justice process.
Real-life meaning:
You’re not expected to navigate trauma or process alone. There are publicly funded and community based supports available to you and you are encouraged to access them.
Examples of supports frequently accessed in Calgary communities include:
Women’s Centre of Calgary — public legal-education workshops, counselling referrals, and court support guidance
FearIsNotLove and Sagesse — domestic violence education and safety planning resources
Distress Centre Calgary — 24/7 crisis support and referral services
Alberta Victims of Crime Assistance Program — supports, services, and emergency financial assistance for urgently required needs
Find more helpful links & resources here and answers to frequently asked questions regarding the criminal justice system here
Practical examples:
You had to take unpaid time off work due to trauma. You can ask if victim compensation applies for lost wages or counselling receipts.
You’re anxious about safety plans or court appearances. You can request a victim-support liaison or system-navigation support through community organizations or independent services.
Healing and justice support isn’t weakness - it’s literally written into your rights.
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one is a victim of crime in Alberta, remember:
You are entitled to updates
You are allowed to have a voice
You deserve safety and privacy
You don’t go through this alone
Knowing your rights = self-care.