Aboriginal people in Canada are overrepresented both as victims and offenders. Students investigate how systemic racism, residential schools and colonialism, have impacted Aboriginal populations across the country. Further, students critically examine and assess Canada's principal approaches to addressing victimization and offending by and against Aboriginal peoples as well as the response of the Aboriginal community themselves. Through discussion and experiential learning from an Aboriginal perspective, students gain insight and understanding of Aboriginal teachings, Aboriginal worldview, culturally relevant healing, crime prevention, and restorative justice.  

In this course, students are sensitized to the impact of the media on victims of crime. In an era in which the reporting of crime in the various media has increased considerably and crime stories have become sensationalized, it is necessary to develop skills in media research, communication, and public relations in order to effectively advocate for victims of crime. Students are asked to evaluate the role of the media in the lives of victims, paying particular attention to issues of privacy and disclosure. 

In this course, students critically examine the variety of legal systems, policies and personnel that victims of crime interact with in Canada. These are considered from a victims' perspective. Particular focus is placed on criminal and family law and how they intersect. Relevant legislation and recommendations from inquests and inquiries are examined. 

In this course, students examine the unique experiences of men as victims of crime. The effects of the victimization of men are explored through the lens of masculinity theory and the prevailing notions of “manhood” in Western society. Response to and reporting of crime, including gang culture, homophobia, assault, theft, rape, etc., is also analyzed. 

In this course, students are introduced to the theoretical basis and practice of victim service interventions. Through lectures, class discussions and role play, students develop appropriate interview and documentation techniques including, active listening, problem solving and note-taking skills. Further, students learn to conduct threat assessments, including suicide assessment and self harm. Special emphasis is placed on skill development in triage, facilitation, mediation, negotiation, empathy and non-violent crisis intervention. 

This course explores the meaning of the concept "victim" through theoretical perspectives and case studies. Special attention is given to the examination of the development of victims' rights in Canada including an analysis of the Victim’s Bill of Rights and the Privacy Commission. Students are also introduced to victim classifications, communities as victims, the link between victimization and offending, offender profiles and violence prevention strategies. 

In this course, students examine violence against women from a historical and social perspective. Issues of power and authority are explored within a feminist theoretical framework. Students examine specific types of violence against women including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and femicide. Students consider the intersection of violence against women and a variety of factors including culture, race, class, sexual orientation, ability, and age. Special attention is paid to assessment and advocacy from a woman’s perspective.  

In order to provide students with the opportunity to integrate theory with practice and to contribute to victim service initiatives within a community setting, students design and participate in various community-based activities providing support to victim services agencies and working with companies and institutions around awareness of victim needs and rights. In addition, students reflect on their learning through student-led seminars, discussions and journals. 

In a country as culturally and ethnically diverse as Canada, understanding the needs of victims from different backgrounds is particularly important for victim assistance workers. In this course, students learn how to deal sensitively with unique groups within an anti-oppression framework. Students critically analyze the role of systemic racism in the victimization and treatment of victims from a variety of racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds as well as how these categories intersect in the Canadian social landscape. Emphasis is given to specific populations such as victims of hate crimes, the homeless, the disabled, and victims of war. 

In this course, students reflect on the impact that personal beliefs and values can have on professional practice. Students become more personally aware of their own beliefs and values with respect to victims’ services. Further, students learn the principles of debriefing, self-care and stress management and understand the importance of these strategies in their professional practice. Special attention is given to the stages of caregiver stress and developing personal strategies to cope. Through examination of Victim Service Standards students develop knowledge of ethical codes confidentiality and ongoing education that guide professional practice in victims’ services.  

In this course, students conduct research, identify and evaluate the vast array of community, provincial and national services for victims of crime, including financial remedies, counselling, mental health, medical, and addiction services, all within an anti-oppressive framework. Students learn to facilitate interagency communication and multidisciplinary case management. Students gain practice in identifying and assessing the needs of victims, discerning the most appropriate referrals, and presenting strategies and approaches that can be used to advocate for victims within and between various systems.  

Victims of crime often experience long-term negative implications including a change in the way they view their surrounding environment and the society at large. In this course, students examine short and long-term effects of childhood victimization, including how likely victims are to become perpetrators. Students gain an understanding of criminal and child welfare investigations, as well as relevant legislation and professional requirements related to reporting and documentation. Child development (ages, stages, capacities) and parental/guardian considerations are explored. Emphasis is placed on appropriate victim support and prevention of recurrence.  

In this course, students are sensitized to the impact of the media on victims of crime. In an era in which the reporting of crime in the various media has increased considerably and crime stories have become sensationalized, it is necessary to develop skills in media research, communication, and public relations in order to effectively advocate for victims of crime. Students are asked to evaluate the role of the media in the lives of victims, paying particular attention to issues of privacy and disclosure.