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Official Government of BC CVAP page

CVAP.ca guide

What benefits may CVAP provide?

CVAP may provide benefits that address injury, recovery and some financial loss caused by a qualifying crime. The available categories differ for victims, immediate family members and witnesses, and every award is decided by CVAP.

Last reviewed August 22, 2026Edited by John Zak, MA, RCC

Benefits that may be available to victims

  • Medical and dental services or expenses
  • Prescription drugs
  • Counselling
  • Protective measures, including some security or relocation expenses
  • Disability aids and related services
  • Repair or replacement of certain damaged clothing, eyeglasses or disability aids
  • Home or vehicle modification and some moving costs
  • Homemaker, childcare or personal-care services
  • Support for a child born as a result of a qualifying crime
  • Vocational services
  • Income support or lost earning capacity
  • Transportation and related expenses
  • Crime-scene cleaning

Benefits for immediate family members

  • Counselling and related transportation
  • Prescription drugs
  • Crime-scene cleaning in specified circumstances
  • For fatal cases, possible funeral expenses, bereavement leave and travel to justice-related proceedings
  • In specified fatal cases, possible income support, vocational services, loss of parental guidance, childcare or homemaker support

Benefits for witnesses

  • Counselling
  • Prescription drugs
  • Transportation and childcare related to counselling
  • Crime-scene cleaning in specified circumstances

Does listing a benefit mean it will be approved?

No. A listed category is not a promise of coverage.

CVAP decides whether the person and requested expense meet the Act and regulations, whether the need is connected to the crime, and whether another source should pay first. Conditions, limits and maximum amounts can apply.

Where should I check exact limits?

Use the current official summaries and regulations linked below. Some maximums and conditions depend on the recipient, date, type of service and CVAP approval. This guide intentionally avoids turning legal maximums into promises.

Source transparency

Primary sources

Official sources control if this guide differs. Links and content were checked August 22, 2026.

  1. Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)Government of British Columbia
  2. Crime Victim Assistance ActBC Laws
  3. Crime Victim Assistance (General) RegulationBC Laws
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