What Are The Victim Services Awards Of Distinction?

On December 5, 2006, the government announced new awards for excellence in victim services.  These awards recognize the outstanding achievement of dedicated professionals and volunteers in the victim services field.  They also acknowledge the strength, creativity and courage of individual victims who have been able to move forward to forge a better future for themselves, their families and their communities. 

The Victim Services Awards of Distinction also recognize innovative services and supports to victims of crime.  It is hoped that these awards will encourage the sharing of best practices and unique achievements among victim services professionals and volunteers across the province. 

Who Is Eligible?

All residents of Ontario may be nominated for awards as individuals or as part of larger groups.   Any person or organization in Ontario may submit a nomination.  However, self-nominations will not be accepted. 

This year the awards will recognize excellence and outstanding achievement in any of the following:

• Victims and other individuals personally impacted by crime who have raised the profile of victims’ issues in the province
• Service providers who deliver outstanding services to victims of crime
• Field practitioners who develop and implement innovative victim service programs and projects
• Volunteers who give of their time and personal resources to help victims
• Youth who dedicate their time and effort to support victims in their communities.

What Is The Nomination Process? 

The nominator will fill in the nomination form and indicate the category of award for which the nominee is being recommended.  The nominator will then briefly summarize why he/she believes that the recipient should be selected for an award and send the signed form to the nominee.  The nominee must also sign the form to indicate that he or she consents to stand for nomination and remit the form to the Ontario Victim Services Secretariat (OVSS) of the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General.  

How Will Recipients Be Selected?

The completed nomination forms will be reviewed by a selection panel consisting of one or more members of the community, the Office for Victims of Crime and staff from the Ministry of the Attorney General.  The panel will then submit the most compelling nominations to the Attorney General.  He will make the final award decisions. 

When Will The Awards Be Presented? 

The Attorney General will present the awards in the fall of 2008.  Award recipients will be notified of the details in advance. 

How To Apply

Any person or organization can nominate an individual or group by completing the attached nomination form.  Each nomination must include the following information.

• The completed form must be signed by both the nominator and the nominee.  Due to the need for signatures, only the original signed copies of the form and supporting documents will be accepted.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept nominations received by fax or e-mail.
• Description of achievement (up to 100 words).  This should include:
  • How the nominee’s actions or achievements have positively influenced attitudes, approaches or practices in victim services.  Please identify the significant contributions made by the nominee(s) and any extraordinary circumstances or challenges that the nominee(s) faced. 
• You also have the option of providing additional material to support a nomination.  Be sure to identify these materials in the application and firmly affix them to the nomination form.  Please do not send originals of important or official documents, as they will not be returned. 

When Is The Deadline?

July 16, 2008

Completed nominations are to be sent to the address below by mail or courier.  Please note that late entries will not be accepted.

Only completed and signed nomination forms and supporting documents will be accepted. 

Forms must be signed by both the nominator and nominee. 

Due to the requirement for original signatures, faxed or email copies of the completed forms cannot be accepted.