Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime 2024–2025 Annual Report Tabled in the House of Commons

The Office of the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime (OFOVC) 2024-25 Annual Report was tabled in the House of Commons today. This report highlights a period of significant activity, engagement on improving rights and services for victims and survivors of crime across Canada.

In addition to providing information, referrals and reviewing complaints from survivors who contact us, the OFOVC’s work to strengthen victims’ rights and improve federal responses to violence and victimization included:

• A national systemic investigation into the treatment of survivors of sexual violence in the criminal justice system, with 3,300 + engagements across Canada.
• Targeted policy and parliamentary work on gender‑based and intimate partner violence, criminal court delays  (R v. Jordan), the impacts of section 278.1 and the weaponization of therapy records, wrongful convictions, and economic abuse.
• Publication of Strengthening Access to Justice for Victims of Hate Crime in Canada, concluding 13 recommendations aimed at strengthening prevention, accountability, and access to justice for victims of hate crime.

• Commitment to truth and reconciliation, including the protection and rights of children, and support for the repeal of section 43 of the Criminal Code.

The Office extends its gratitude to the survivors, advocates, frontline workers, and partners whose experiences and expertise continue to guide this work and drive systemic change.

“Victims’ rights must be more than aspirational — they must be realized in practice. This report reflects both the growing demand for independent oversight of victims’ rights in Canada and the urgent need for reforms that centre dignity, safety, and accountability.”

 - Dr. Benjamin Roebuck, Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime.