Who it’s for:    
Adult victims of family violence who are called to testify in court, all genders

Location:        
In-person at Edmonton Law Courts
By phone, email and virtually

Hours:            
Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Closed on statutory holidays

Contact:          
Call 780-422-0721 or email us

Timing:           
Please contact us at least one month prior to the trial/court date, or as soon as possible.

Supporting Victims Testifying in Domestic Violence Trials

The Domestic Violence Complainant Assistance Program helps victims (complainants) of domestic violence to navigate the criminal court system when an abusive spouse or family member is facing trial on serious criminal charges.

This FREE program falls within the Domestic Violence Justice Response Program (DVJR). Services are offered at the Domestic Violence Court or King’s Bench Criminal Courts, and may be available in person, by phone and virtually.

We Are Here for You

Court Support Workers are committed to ensuring victims remain safe, while providing general information and advocacy to support victim interactions throughout court proceedings.

Available services include:

  • Information on the criminal court processes
    • Court updates
    • Bail hearing outcomes
    • Release conditions
    • Sentencing information
  • Information on Victim’s Rights and Assistance completing Victim of Crime documents
  • Assistance facilitating communication with Crown Prosecutors
  • Court preparation and orientation
  • Evidence review support
  • Court accompaniment (preliminary hearings, trial, sentencing)
  • Ongoing emotional support
  • Safety planning
  • Resources and referrals to community agencies
  • A Remote Testimony Room is also available in certain circumstances

95% of participants increased their understanding of the domestic violence court process and their role within it.

87% experienced reduced anxiety with the court process and/or testifying.

84% increased their awareness of risk and safety as a result of working with DVCAP. (2024)

Note: The Domestic Violence Complainant Assistance Program does NOT provide legal advice, make decisions for clients, provide counselling, discuss details of the offence, or provide assistance in cases other than domestic violence. DVCAP’s services do not extend to Family Court Matters. In many instances, we can make referrals to organizations that can help. 

Download Program Diagram

Connect with DVCAP: We’re Here to Help

Call 780-422-0721 or email us. 

Our Program Partners

DVCAP is operated by enCompass with the support of our partners: Crown Prosecutor’s Office, Edmonton Police Service, Community Corrections, and Ministry of Children and Family Services. Funding for the project is received through Public Safety and Emergency Services.

At enCompass, we use the terms ‘survivor’ and ‘victim’ interchangeably, recognizing that each individual may relate more closely to one term over the other. We honour and respect the diverse experiences and identities of those affected by family violence and strive to provide inclusive, compassionate support for all.

FAQ

What is the difference between Nalah and DVCAP?

Both programs are here to support victims and survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Both provide information on the legal process, as well as support services to ensure the safety of victims and family members.

Nalah is for those appearing before docket court – which is a preliminary step to determine if the case should proceed to trial, or be handled through early case resolution. It is the level of court where the person charged will either plead ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty.’ This program is exclusively for victims of Intimate Partner Violence (vs. the broader category of domestic violence).

The Domestic Violence Complainant Assistance Program (DVCAP) provides guidance and information to support victims as they navigate the Domestic Violence Court or King’s Bench Criminal Court.