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While many groups and political opportunists like to portray Canadian institutions as deficient in dealing with victims of criminal violence, some victims' rights advocates say that, compared to the rest of the world, we aren't doing so bad.

"Canada, and Quebec in particular, is considered a world leader in dealing with victims," says Irene Langis, spokesperson for the Association québécoise plaidoyer-victimes. The group is composed of professionals from various fields, including criminologists, social workers and Crown prosecutors. Langis says the Association has spawned many innovations in victim management in Quebec, including the creation of victims' aid centres.

"So it's fitting that Montreal is the place to hold the 10th International Symposium on Victimology," says Langis. The conference--to be held at the Palais des Congres from August 6-11--will see over 1,200 experts from 50 countries converge to discuss the science and public policy of victim management.

But while both the courts and social agencies in Canada are moving towards a greater emphasis on victims' rights, Langis--and many in the criminal justice system--say there is still a long way to go. "We will have victims of crime and abuses of power speaking at the conference," says Langis. "Including one of the Duplessis Orphans."

For more information check www.victimology-2000.com.

--John Edmonds