Summary
This research project examined the relationship between police and victim services located in Ontario and the resulting effects of this partnership on delivery of victim centered services provided to victims of crime and tragedy. Key aspects include the need for better collaboration within a complex relationship between two groups - police, a well established institution and victim services, who are a relatively new organization. Victims of crime and tragedy, and subsequently victim services, have historically been on the margins of the criminal justice system and require a stronger voice and representation for profound change to occur, which requires a change in thinking and behaviour of groups involved in the delivery of victim services. Key recommendations have been made for improvement in leadership, staffing, resources, and partnerships. Action research was conducted under the umbrella of Royal Roads University's ethical standards. The research methods consisted of semistructured interviews and surveys.