Download the presentation PPT: click here
Resources from Webinar
- Handout - Guide to Supporting Vulnerable Adult Witnesses in Criminal Matters
- Learn more about the Supporting Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses: https://www.bcli.org/project/supporting-vulnerable-victims-and-witnesses/
- Practical Guide to Elder Abuse and Neglect Law (CCEL): https://ccelderlaw.ca
- Trauma Informed Toolkit for Legal Professionals: https://www.goldeneaglerising.org/initiatives-and-actions/trauma-informed-toolkit-for-legal-professionals/
- Crown Counsel Policy Manual: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bc-prosecution-service/crown-counsel-policy-manual
SUMMARY
The Canadian Centre for Elder Law (CCEL) has been working on a research project to explore available tools and best practices for working with victims of crime and witnesses who have capability issues. Strong policies are necessary to support Crown Counsel in prosecuting cases involving elder abuse- but also to support victims of such crimes. It is important that policies also inform police and victim service workers in dealing with this population to achieve consistent response and inter-agency cooperation and collaboration when prosecuting a criminal offence involving an adult with capability issues.
Presenter, Megan Vis-Dunbar, CCEL Staff lawyer who is leading this project, will introduce key information from CCEL's upcoming report, including:
- Research on existing tools for supporting witnesses with capability issues navigating the criminal justice system in BC; and
- Comparative research on Crown prosecution policies related to elder abuse, dementia, and adults with capability issues.
While this project focuses on prosecution policies in British Columbia, some of the concepts explored in this webinar will be of interest to residents from other parts of Canada, particularly if they are victim service workers, court staff or police. Hosted by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario in partnership with the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the Canadian Centre for Elder Law.
PRESENTER:
Megan Vis-Dunbar is a staff lawyer with the BC Law Institute and Canadian Centre for Elder Law where she is working on a project to create guidance for supporting vulnerable witnesses as well as leading research on the Reconciling Crown Legal Frameworks Program. Prior to joining the BCLI & CCEL, Megan worked with the Courthouse Libraries BC where she coordinated the legal continuing education program. She has over 10 years of experience practicing in the areas of criminal and constitutional law.
