Overview of testimonial aids

As a crime victim, you can benefit from testimonial aids, which are measures to make it easier for you to testify in court and reduce your anxiety.

You can let the criminal and penal prosecuting attorney (the prosecuting attorney in your case) know what is worrying you.

If you situation meets certain criteria, the prosecuting attorney will ask the judge to authorize one or more of the following measures to make you feel more comfortable about testifying:

• Testifying with a support person or support dog at your side.
• Testifying from behind a screen or, by videolink, from outside the courtroom.
• Testifying after members of the general public and journalists have been excluded form the courtroom, as an exceptional measure.
• Using the video recording of your statement to the police to replace part of your testimony if you are under the age of 18 or have a physical or mental impairment.
• Not being cross-examined by the accused, if he or she is representing himself or herself in court.

You can also submit your request directly to the judge in order to benefit from one of these measures.

The prosecuting attorney may show you around the courtroom before you testify, if possible in the circumstances.

The judge will refuse your request for testimonial aids if they hinder the proper administration of justice, for example if they infringe on the right of the accused person to a full and complete defence.

You can testify in English or French in a trial taking place in Québec.

You are entitled to assistance from an interpreter if you are not fluent in the language (French or English) used for the trial. If you have a hearing impairment, you are entitled to assistance from a sign language interpreter.

The interpreter will translate the questions you are asked into your own language, and then translate your answers back into the language (French or English) used for the trial.

You should let the prosecuting attorney know what your needs are. The prosecuting attorney will then attempt to meet your needs, depending on the services available in the courthouse or region where the trial is taking place.

You can request the assistance of a caseworker from an assistance centre for persons who are victims of criminal offences (CAVAC)  before you testify. A caseworker can also meet with you and attend court with you on the day you testify.

CAVAC services are provided free of charge, and are confidential.