The Victim’s Liaison Officer

A victim can request a Victim’s Liaison Officer (VLO) be appointed to them. The VLO can assist the victim by explaining how service offences are charged, dealt with and tried under the code of service discipline. The VLO can also help obtain and transmit information that the victim has requested and has a right to under the Declaration of Victims Rights.

For more about the rights of victims of service offences, please see the menu links on this page.

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Overview

At the request of a victim, VLOs are appointed by a Commanding Officer (CO) to provide information and assistance to victims of service offences.

Victims may choose a VLO from a standing list maintained by Chief Professional Conduct and Culture (CPCC) by calling the designated VLO telephone number (1-833-328-3351).  CPCC will facilitate the appointment of a VLO by a CO.  Victims may also request to their CO the appointment of a CAF member who meets the requirements and either has already completed the VLO training or is able to do so in a reasonable time.

In the event of the absence or incapacity of the VLO, a CO will appoint another officer or NCM to act as VLO unless it is not possible to do so for operational reasons.

A VLO must be a service member of the CAF. In the case of an officer, the VLO must be from the rank of Captain/Lieutenant (Navy) up to Colonel/Captain (Navy). In the case of a non-commissioned member, the VLO must be the rank of Sergeant/Petty Officer 2^nd class or above.

Qualifications of VLOs

VLOs must have received within the last four years the training with regard to:

• the military justice system,
• role of military justice system actors,
• the Declaration of Victims Rights, and
• communicating effectively with victims.

Limitations on VLOs

VLOs cannot be:

• A member of the military police, unless the victim is a member of the military police;
• A legal officer, unless the victim is a legal officer;
• A military judge or a court reporter;
• A victim, accused, offender, witness, medical treatment provider, investigator or investigation supervisor, person who issued a warrant, custody review officer, or charge-layer for the same service offence that the victim requested a VLO for; or
• A person acting on behalf of the victim.

A VLO is not an advocate or legal representative on behalf of the victim.

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