Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

COVID-19 Response

• For women in need of support call Crisis Line at 705-728-2544 or 1-800-461-1716
• For Outreach Services, call Crisis Line 705-728-2544 for support by phone, no in-person appointments

Regular Service
Outreach office of the Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie offer:

• Individual counselling
• Legal advocacy, information and referrals
• Family Court Support
• Psycho-educational groups
• Violence Prevention Program video series for youth on topics related to healthy relationship
• Transitional and housing support services

COVID-19 Response

• For women in need of support call Crisis Line at 705-728-2544 or 1-800-461-1716
• For Outreach Services, call Crisis Line 705-728-2544 for support by phone, no in-person appointments

Regular Service
Emergency residence with 27 beds for women and their children who are experiencing abuse in their significant relationships, residential services include:

• Safe, temporary accommodation
• Crisis telephone and on site counselling
• Children's services for residents
• Legal and court support
• Information and referral
• Education, advocacy and assistance with social services including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Program and Social Housing
• Emergency transportation if required
• Emergency Residential support for women experiencing human trafficking

Outreach services include legal advocacy and court support, individual counselling, groups, information and referral, education, advocacy,assistance with social services and community services including Barrie Food Bank

Donations of food, new household items and clothing accepted by appointment, call for information at 705-728-6300

Family Court Support Worker Program

• Information on the family court process
• Assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• Referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• Safety planning
• Court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Have created a Violence Prevention video series, designed for youth, but accessible to all on a variety of topics related to healthy relationships. Visit: www.barrieshelter.com/resources/ to view the five videos. Check back as additional videos will be added soon.

Winter Sponsorship Program

• Matches families staying at the shelter and those families that access outreach services with individuals or businesses, who would like to adopt a family in need and provide a Christmas of gifts, gift cards and food gift certificate/food items
• To sponsor a family, contact the Shelter at 705-728-6300

Provides information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process

• services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
• Information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
• needs assessment and referrals to community agencies
• crisis intervention, emotional support, victim advocacy
• facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
• information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
• facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
• debriefing and follow-up support

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund -- financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court

• travel arrangements and expenses
• language interpretation
• real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

Francophone prevention centre for violence against women and sexual assault

• free and confidential services offered include counseling, transitional support, housing support, family court support, advocacy, representation and accompaniment (when possible)
• offer information and referrals to community services and provide resources for support (books, CD-DVD's, etc)
• services offered are available by phone, or by email, in-person services are available by appointment only

Family Court Support Worker Program
Information on the family court process

• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

COVID-19 Response
Beginning July 4, 2022, in-person and virtual/phone counselling will be offered to current clients. Groups and workshops will work within the hybrid model and be available in-person and virtually, based on registration. Drop-In groups will be virtual in July and begin in-person in August.

Beginning September 6, 2022, 100% of counselling sessions to be actively offered in-person. Virtual/phone appointments still accepted based on client's needs. Groups and workshops will continue with a hybrid model, based on registration. Drop-In group will continue to be 100% in-person.

People visiting the space are currently required to wear a mask, and if not, to maintain social distancing. All staff are required to wear a mask when they are in common areas. All women entering the space will be asked to complete COVID-19 screening questions. Visitors to the space who are displaying two of any of the prominent COVID-19 symptoms will not be permitted.

Regular Service
Provides free and confidential services for women 16 years of age and older, throughout Simcoe County, who have experienced sexual violence at any time in their lives.

Services include:

• a 24 hour telephone crisis line
• individual counselling and support groups
• court and hospital accompaniment
• legal support, advocacy, information, and referrals
• public education to end violence against women in our community

Partner Abuse Program

• Information, support, and individual and group counselling for women who have experienced abuse in a partner relationship
• program helps women plan for safety, decrease isolation and increase self-confidence and assertiveness
• program is offered in various locations throughout Simcoe County, call for information

Presentations are done in person or virtually on consent, healthy relationships, digital abuse, gender, and self-esteem, and
'rape culture'.

COVID-19 Response

• Office currently closed
• Continue to support children and families remotely and will respond to telephone inquiries at 705-792-­6600 and by email at info@boostforkids.org
• Canadian Centre for Child Protection - COVID-19 Resources

Regular Service

Committed to eliminating abuse and violence in the lives of children, youth, and their families through the development of coordinated community-wide efforts to improve prevention, detection, reporting, investigation and treatment

Programs include:

• Assessment Directed Therapy Program
• Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Counselling Program
• Child Victim Witness Support Program
• Various Prevention programs
• Child and Youth Advocacy Centre (CYAC)
• Camp Rainbow

COVID-19 Response
In-person services have resumed, but remote services are still available on request

Regular Service
On-site early intervention and crisis intervention

• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, including:

• home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
• additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
• no direct reimbursement to victims for support listed above
• financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

On-site early intervention and crisis intervention. Needs assessment. Safety planning. Referrals to community services. Enhanced support for vulnerable victims. Assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)

• assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, including home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
• additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
• no direct reimbursement to victims for support listed above
• financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Provide law enforcement, public order maintenance and educational policing services to the community.

Community Services include program such as:

• DARE
• Youth in Policing (YIPI)
• Home Watch Program
• Record Suspension (Pardons)
• Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Freedom of Information

Crime Prevention and Safety include:

• Impaired Driving
• Internet Safety
• Home Security Challenge
• Domestic Violence
• Crime Stoppers
• Safe Roads Initiative
• Kids informtion
• North Simcoe Victim Crisis Services

COVID19 Services available online or by phone, no walk-in or in-person service; 24-hour crisis line 1-800-263-6734

Free, confidential and non-judgemental rapid response 24-hour crisis support, individual counselling, peer support, and advocacy for survivors of sexual violence and/or commercial sexual exploitation

Sexual Violence Counselling
Individual counselling up to 24 weeks, renewable on case by base basis if more support required

• includes date rape, cyber sexual violence, childhood sexual assault
• volunteer training

Human Trafficking
Counselling, case management, safety planning and intervention

• support, advocacy and referrals, contact 905-895-3646

Public education and outreach, including workshops and presentations around sexual violence and human trafficking, contact Public Education Coordinator sseeraj@womenssupportnetwork.ca

Provides information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process

• services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
• information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
• needs assessment and referrals to community agencies
• crisis intervention, emotional support, victim advocacy
• facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids trial preparation and court orientation
• information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
• facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
• debriefing and follow-up support

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund -- financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court

• travel arrangements and expenses
• language interpretation
• real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

Court Diversion for Aboriginal pre and post charge for adults and youth

• uses a holistic alternative to the criminal justice system with the client and community taking responsibility for its members
• diverted individuals agree to carry out a plan that seeks to restore balance
• encourages community involvement to help bring balance and harmony to the individual's life, community and nation.

COVID19 Telephone assistance available, no in-person meetings, contact for information

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On-site early intervention and crisis intervention including needs assessment, safety planning, referrals to community services, enhanced support for vulnerable victims, assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, including home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses

• additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
• no direct reimbursement to victims for above supports
• financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Human trafficking education, awareness, information, and prevention

Vctim support

• exit support, information and referral, court support
• financial aid, medical support, life skills training
• family and caregiver support group

First Response Bag
Backpack for victims includes coat, clothing, toiletries, gift cards

Support for individuals who have experienced human trafficking, prostitution, sexual exploitation and its root causes including child abuse, pornography

• provides help to victims with breaking free of their exploiters, exiting the industry, and accessing the necessary resources for healing the emotional and physical trauma of being sexually exploited

Provides support groups to parents and caregivers of trafficked persons

Also offers public education on human trafficking to medical professionals, teachers and others who come in contact with victims

COVID19 Emergency shelter and crisis line open, call 1-800-661-8294

Emergency shelter and 24 hour crisis line and crisis intervention, including support, counselling, advocacy, information and referral, legal information and court support, women's groups including transition support program, and Let's Talk children's groups; also second stage housing and outreach programs

• capacity 30
• multicultural focus
• public education

Secure locations in Jackson's Point and Richmond Hill, call for information; also Keswick Outreach 905-476-8992, Markham Outreach 905-479-4551

COVID19 Essential services available, including wraparound services for female survivors of human trafficking

Transitional housing and services for female survivors of human trafficking aged 16-26, including wraparound services, counselling and employment assistance

• 6 bedroom transitional residence, stays up to one year

On-site early intervention and crisis intervention including needs assessment, safety planning, referrals to community services, enhanced support for vulnerable victims, assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, including home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses

• additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
• no direct reimbursement to victims for support listed above
• financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Provides information on the family court process for women and men, including:

• assistance completing documentation for family court proceedings
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Family Court Support Worker Program:

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning and court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

COVID19 Update: Court case backlog -- clients may experience difficulties contacting local offices and should leave a message with return phone number; VWAP staff will return voicemail as soon as possible

• Provides information and assistance to support participation in the criminal court process
• Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over

Offers:

• Case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
• Court preparation
• Needs assessment
• Emotional support
• Crisis intervention
• Referrals to community agencies

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund

Provides financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court, including:

• Travel arrangements and expenses
• Language interpretation
• Real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

COVID19 -- contact organization for COVID service updates


Counselling/Mental Health

• individual, couples and family counselling
• support group for women experiencing depression
• family education on mental health
• case consultation for service providers

Crisis counselling and support group -- for women experiencing abuse and children who have witnessed or experienced abuse

• confidential and culturally competent
• information and referral
• telephone counselling
• transitional support worker

Legal aid clinic with Italian-speaking lawyers

Education/outreach to Italian community on social issues

Victim services offering:

• on-site early intervention and crisis intervention
• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, including home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses. Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility. No direct reimbursement to victims for support listed above. Financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims.

Call for further information about police and court procedure as well as court monitoring and accompaniment

Individual and group counselling for women and their children, parenting support, transitional and housing support, immigration support, and access to family court support worker

Family Court Support Workers
Assist with information on family court process and preparations for proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)

• assistance in finding legal representation if needed
• referral to specialized community services and supports
• safety planning
• court accompaniment as required

Covid19 Email, phone and online only; client referrals accepted

Programs and supports for individuals and families experiencing violence and abuse, including integrated multi-agency intake procedure, and onsite services through partner agencies

• information, referrals, counselling
• job skills training
• children's services
• women and children's support groups
• financial loans and support
• legal and court support, referrals to shelters, safety planning and risk assessment
• moving services in partnership with Shelter Movers (see separate listing)

Calendar of on-site agencies and programs:

Monday: Yellow Brick House legal support, supportive counselling, outreach; When Love Hurts support group; art therapy

Tuesday: Sandgate Women's Shelter housing transition support and individual counselling

Wednesday: Legal Aid Ontario family law; Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Centre supportive counselling, forensic services, risk assessment; Sandgate Women's Shelter parenting support and Let's Talk Child Witness Program

Thursday: Sandgate Women's Shelter housingtransition support; Womens Centre of York Region Financial Empowerment group

Friday: Community Legal Clinic information and support on landlord/tenant issues, social assistance, EI appeals, CPP, criminal compensation, employment standards, and consumer issues; Sandgate Women's Shelter housing transition support; The Housing Help Centre housing assistance and social assistance

COVID19 In-person and virtual services available; phone and virtual counselling to frontline health workers and their families, and others members of the public, in Ontario; also assists permanent residents, convention refugees, student visa and work permit holders with Employment Insurance (EI)and Canada Emergency Resource Benefit (CERB) applications

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Linguistically and culturally sensitive counselling and settlement services for individuals and families

Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual, group, couple, marital and family counselling and mental health psychotherapy, for issues such as elder abuse, family violence, wife assault, male batterers, incest, sexual assault, offenders, bereavement, problem gambling, substance abuse; crisis intervention; referrals to community partners as necessary

• consultation for human service providers
• satellite offices (limited hours, by appointment only) in Toronto (602 Queen St W), Markham (5665 14th Ave), Mississauga (720 Burnhamthorpe Rd W, Unit 2), and Unionville (600 Village Pkwy)

Family programs, including parenting and family life education, and youth counselling and leadership development

Partner Assault Response (PAR)
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress
• group counselling in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese

Settlement Program
Orientation, needs and eligibility assessments, interpretation and translation; information and referral topics include immigration, issues of concern to refugees and foreign domestic workers, citizenship, social assistance benefits, legal aid, housing, child care, English classes, and education and employment training

• computer access
• job search and employment counselling
• assistance in accessing services

Housing and Transitional Support Program
Counselling, information and referrals, crisis intervention and case management for women who have experienced violence, and their children

• community services information on issues such as housing, legal, financial, health care, immigration, children's services
• settlement support including assistance setting up safety plan, ongoing counselling and support