Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP): Support After a Crime

Frequently Asked Questions

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) is a BC government program that provides financial support to help with recovery.

If you’ve been impacted by a violent crime, your safety and healing matters. Many people apply to CVAP for counselling funding, but the program may also help with other crime-related costs, depending on your situation.

You don’t have to go through this alone. A victim services worker can help you understand your options and support you through the process.

For details on CVAP, see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.

  • CVAP offers financial assistance to people who have been affected by violent crime. This includes:

    • Victims

    • Immediate family members

    • Witnesses who have been emotionally affected

    The program is designed to support emotional, physical, and psychological recovery — most commonly through counselling, but also through other eligible expenses.

  • CVAP supports people affected by violent crimes as defined in the Criminal Code of Canada, such as:

    • Physical assault

    • Sexual assault (there is no time limit to apply)

    • Criminal harassment or stalking

    • Threats or attempted violence

    CVAP does notcover emotional abuse unless it qualifies as a criminal offence (such as threats or criminal harassment). If you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, a victim services worker can help you figure that out. To access this support, please contact us here.

  • If you’re eligible, CVAP may help cover the cost of:

    • Counselling

      • Up to 48 counselling sessions with a registered therapist

      • Trauma-informed counselling to support healing after violence

    • Security Measures (if safety is a concern)

      • Locks, alarms, security cameras, or other measures recommended for safety

        • Must be related to the crime and approved in advance

    • Medical or Dental Expenses

      • Treatment for injuries caused by the crime

    • Personal Property

      • Some damaged personal items worn at the time of the crime (like eyeglasses or clothing)

      • Note: CVAP does not cover lost or stolen property

    A victim services worker can help you understand what may be available in your specific case. If you would like to access this support, please contact us here.

  • No. If you did not report to police, you can still apply.

  • For most violent crimes, apply within 2 years of the incident (unless you were under 19, in which case you may have longer).

    For sexual assault, there is no time limit to apply.

  • You can apply:

    A victim services worker or counsellor can help with the application. You don’t have to do it alone. To access this support, please contact us here.

  • That’s okay. You don’t have to decide right away. Many people take time to process and ask questions first.

    Whether or not you apply now, or ever, you still deserve support and care. Our Victim Service workers are here to support you. To access this support, please contact us here.

  • If you need support, you can speak to a Victim Services worker.

    Our Victim Services workers are trained to support people who have experienced crime or trauma. They can help you apply for CVAP & answer questions you may have.

    To access this support, please contact us here.