Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

Safe, supportive place for children and youth to experience new opportunities, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life

After School Programs

• program runs on school days for ages 4-12 yrs (varies by location) in community centres and school in Clarington, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Pickering
• variety of activities including homework club, crafts, computers, games and gym
• healthy snack each day after school

Aquatics Programs

• group, private and semi-private swimming lessons
• leadership programs
• Aquafit classes
• lane swim

Special Programs

• Oshawa locations offer a variety of evening and weekend programs for children ages 4-12

Youth Justice Committee (YJC)

• alternative to the court system, for young people 12-17 years who have been accused of minor non-violent offences
• a panel of trained community members volunteering to work with young offenders, their families, victims, the legal system and the community find appropriate, meaningful consequences for the young person

Youth Programs

• variety of youth programs offered at the Oshawa locations including free drop-in basketball for ages 13-18 years

Northview
150 Beatrice St E
Oshawa ON L1G 7T6
905-436-3311 ext 2871

Eastview
433 Eulalie Ave
Oshawa ON L1H 2C6
905-728-5121 x0

School Units

Ajax - Bolton C. Falby PS, Carruthers Creek PS, St James CS, Lincoln Avenue PS

Pickering - Glengrove PS

Whitby - St. John The Evangelist CS, EA Fairman PS, John Dryden PS

Oshawa - Harmony Heights PS, St. Thomas Aquinas CS

Bowmanville - John M. James PS

Newcastle - Diane Hamre Recreation Centre

COVID19 - call 905-743-2790 and leave message -- state the victim's name, the name of the accused person and clearly state a number the victim can be reached at, a worker will reach out as soon as possible, normally within one business day


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
• case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
• court preparation
• needs assessment
• emotional support
• crisis intervention
• referrals to community agencies

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

COVID19 -- In person, video or phone sessions are available in response to client preference

Therapy, counselling for individuals, couples and families regardless of religious beliefs, and young parent support services:

• assist victims of family violence to obtain protection and safety
• group programs for abused women, children and teens exposed to violence
• parenting groups for young parents
• one on one parenting support and supportive counselling
• life skills and social groups for young parents
• couple and family therapy
• trauma counselling
• psychotherapy for mild to moderate mental health issues

Head office in Oshawa

Satellite office in Ajax
250 Bayly Street W, Unit 22
Ajax, ON L1S 3V4A

Member Agency of Catholic Charities, a Member Agency of Family Service Ontario, and a Member Agency of Ontario Young Parents Association

In-person services suspended ​

For women in Durham Region

• providing service by phone 905-728-0978 ext 221
• individual consultations over the phone with Legal/Family Court Support Workers
• free summary legal advice from family law lawyers available via phone or video conferencing
• information and assistance with court documents
• virtual legal information group sessions on a range of topics

For women outside of Durham Region

• access a family law lawyer for free summary legal advice through Virtual Legal Clinic - to book an appointment, call 1-866-516-3116 ext.235, or email intake@LukesPlace.ca

Assist female abuse survivors and their children as they deal with family law issues

• individual information, support, guidance and referral on family law system
• group sessions offered including Early Information Sessions, Legal Information Workshops
• access to extensive print and video resources
• weekly pro-bono summary advice clinic to receive lawyer's opinion based on facts of situation
• help with legal preparation and preparing for court
• consultation, education and training to the service community and general public

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

Support services to recent as well as historical or childhood survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse and their families

• 24/7 crisis and support line
• free and confidential service
• individual and group counselling - by phone and secure video (Zoom)
• police, legal, and medical accompaniment
• court advocacy
• public education
• volunteer opportunities and crisis line training

Wait time for individual counselling is currently 9-12 months ; once clients have completed an intake, clients are able to join groups via Zoom, including meditation, yoga, youth survivor's circle, and survivor's circle

Information and emotional support for anyone who has experienced sexual violence or who needs information about sexual violence, services and community referrals

24hr Emergency Medical Services

• DV/SACC team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa available 24 hr medical emergencies for sexual assault and intimate partner violence victims

Sexual Assault

• male, female or transgender adult victims of sexual assault up to 12 days post assault, children under 16 years of age up to 7 days post-assault examination, treatment, evidence collection, safety planning, referrals, follow-up

Domestic Violence

• for intimate partner, adult male, female or transgender victims (do not need to have injuries) - documentation and photographs of injuries, safety planning, referrals, follow-up

Information and Counselling

• individual counselling for adult male or female victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence within the past year

Specialized Human Trafficking Crisis Intervention counsellors help victims/survivors with

• case management
• safety planning
• navigation of services and bureaucracies
• application to Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) to assist with meeting basic needs, and expenses as a result of being trafficked (no direct reimbursement to clients, expenses paid directly by the program) such as counselling, treatment etc.

Support services are available to any self identified victims of crime, regardless of whether they have reported to police

Services include

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

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Assistance with emergency expenses directly related to the crime, 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
• funeral expenses for victims of homicide

Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes

• storage locker
• tattoo removal
• treatment at a recovery facility

No direct reimbursement to victims, funds paid directly to service providers

Long-term recovery and outreach programs designed to guide sexually exploited or trafficked women and youth, or those at identifiable risk of becoming sexually exploited/trafficked, into full rehabilitation and re-integration into society

Day Program

• successfully resolve past issues of abuse and addictions (if applicable)
• engage in healthy relationships
• manage emotions in a healthy, functioning manner
• improve quality of life and increased level of self-esteem and self-compassion
• break the cycle of abuse in their own lives
• reach a higher level of education and employability skills

Extra-Curricular Program Offerings

• each participant can choose from several activities outside of SafeHope Home that they would like to engage in after programs
• some program offerings have been horseback riding, music, kickboxing, dance and rock-climbing lessons

Stage Two Housing

• provides survivors of human trafficking a safe and supportive home to reside in while working on their recovery in conjunction with the day program
• develop basic living skills
• encourages independent living in a roommate environment
• each participant has their own bedroom and can come and go from the house freely, while respecting house rules and curfews
• House Manager resides in the home with the young women
• staffed with support workers that are available during waking hours to support the girls in any way needed

Outreach

• for those individuals who have experienced or are currently involved in the sexual trade or for those who do not fit the criteria or have chosen not to commit to our Residential/Day Program
• Outreach team will provide ongoing case management and individual support and connecting with vital community resources

Follow-Care

• supports all survivors whether they choose to continue to their journey of recovery in the community, have left or have graduated SafeHope Home's long-term residential program or who have previously resided in the residential home after they have graduated from the program
• participants in follow-care are monitored as needed and receive assistance in transitioning from a residential setting to independence
• able to remain involved and access services from the medical doctor, dentist and trauma therapist they saw while at SafeHope Home
• all services available to outreach participants are available to follow-care participants upon exiting the residential home
• participants monitored by staff on a scale deemed appropriate per individual need

Programs that contribute to crime prevention, address social issues and rehabilitation of offenders

Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (VORP)

• victims and offenders meet together with a trained volunteer mediator
• parties try to come to a resolution eg., monetary restitution, apologies
• an alternative way of resolving conflict or disputes

Community Service Order programs (CSO)

• places adults in non-profit or tax supported settings
• those granted probation work a specified number of hours and give volunteer assistance to the community

The Durham Community Mediation Program (DCMP)

• assists residents in Durham Region in resolving conflict through mediation
• neighbourhood disputes, property matters, interpersonal problems, landlord-tenant or tenant-tenant conflicts
• trained community volunteers provide the services to participants

The Conflict, Anger, Learning Communication & Mediation (CALM)

• series of workshops to youth experiencing multiple barriers to life successes
• teaches youth how to mange and deal with their personal conflict and anger styles

Diverse Reintegration Youth Program (DRYP)

• in correlation with probation orders, assists youth to reintegrate into community and family life after period of long-term custody or short-term detention provisions
• culturally sensitive influences will assist in their achievements in program delivery

Basic and Advanced Level Mediation Training

• Community Mediation and Restorative Justice Skills Training
• volunteer opportunities

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

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 eligible 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

COVID19 Programs being offered at the main office in Cobourg and by phone for outlying areas.

Regular Service
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

The shelter offers temporary accommodations for women and their children who are seeking shelter from abusive relationships.

• Various forms of abuse are acknowledged (ie: physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, etc)
• Counselling is available to both women and children throughout their stay. Counsellors assist women to build connections with a variety of community services and resources
• Shelter services are available 24 hours a day
• A barrier free room is available to support women with physical challenges
• 24 hours crisis and support counselling is available to women in the community through the support line
• Cornerstone Connect: Text & Chat support for violence and abuse. Text (289) 210-4774 or Chat online at rc.chat/cornerstonefvpc. Mon-Sun 6 pm to 6 am
  • Visit cornerstonenorthumberland.ca/connect for more information

Community based supports for children, youth and families

Babies Best Start / Healthy Babies Healthy Children
Home visiting program for parents of children birth-3 years, includes support in areas such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, healthy attachment, healthy eating, safety, child development, positive parenting, parent health and well-being and community resources; home visitors represent a variety of cultures and languages

Community Support
Culturally sensitive early intervention mental health services for children birth-12 years and their families, in various locations such as schools, community agencies, shelters, and EarlyOn programs; areas of service include parenting education and groups, children's groups, brief counselling, anti-bullying and social skills

Gender Based Violence Program
Supports for youth and young adults 12-29 years, who are at risk of or have been involved in human trafficking or sex trade, including trauma therapy, case management and service navigation, peer support, support group, and community outreach and education; contact GBVinfo@stridestoronto.ca or 416-438-3697 ext 13265

Growing Healthy Together Prenatal Program
Information and support for pregnant women with risk factors linked to low birth weight

Youth Outreach Worker Program
Assists at-risk youth 12-21 years and their families in East Toronto connect with mental health and other community services; includes individualized programming and support to overcome language and cultural barriers; also intensive intervention in areas such as mental health, addictions, trauma, relationship or family violence and/or human and sex trafficking

See separate listings for residential treatment programs (intake through CARS, 416-482-7884), and Preschool Speech and Language Program (intake through Surrey Place)

Programs and services may be provided in various locations

COVID19 -- services continue by phone and email; no walk-in service


Information and Orientation Services -- settlement services for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 4 years, including landed immigrants, Convention refugees and foreign-born Canadian citizens

• orientation, information sessions, supportive counselling
• information and referral including housing, access to community resources
• employment assessment and preparation, job fairs, computer with free Internet access
• advocacy, interpretation
• English conversation classes
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; care for newcomer children -- childminding for parents attending sessions

Newcomer Settlement Program

• volunteer recruitment and training
• outreach, advocacy
• cultural activities

Violence Against Women

• individual and family counselling for assaulted women and children
• support group for abused women, educational workshops
• assists victims of domestic violence who are at risk of abuse
• domestic violence prevention workshops

Men Make a Difference -- culturally appropriate group sessions to learn techniques for developing healthy relationships, resolve conflict, and cope with anger

Seniors Services

• recreational activities
• support groups for isolated Afghan senior women
• assistance accessing community resources

COVID-19 -- counselling conducted virtually and in-person

• individual counselling, transitional housing and support, violence against women counselling, Together We Can Youth Mentorship sessions run virtually or in-person
• START for Life Skills Training Groups are facilitated in-person, pending public health advisories
• Stop Now And Plan for Black African & Caribbean Kids Groups are facilitated virtually
• all other in-person sessions are suspended

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Counselling

General counselling -- clinical support for individuals and families

Violence Against Women Counselling and Transitional Housing and Support - for women and children who have experienced gender-based violence

• clinical counselling, crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy and referral
• supportive counselling to help access housing, safety and transition planning, educational groups, court accompaniment

Youth Counselling -- clinical counselling for at-risk or high risk youth age 12-21 years

• facilitates re-engagement with a caring adult, connects youth with supportive services and enhances their identity, sense of culture and belonging

Intervention Groups

SNAP BACK (Stop Now And Plan for Black, African & Caribbean Kids) -- 13-week cognitive behavioural program for children ages 6-11 years with disruptive behavioural problems and their parents or caregivers

• instruction for children about stopping to think before they act, making better choices
• parents/caregivers learn effective parenting/caregiving skills including how to support children in decision-making
• includes individual and family sessions and in-school support

START For Life (Success Through Aggression Replacement Training) -- life skills development

• 10-weeks, skills training sessions with a cognitive behavioural intervention and prevention group that supports individuals 18 years or older to strengthen positive social skills, anger control and healthy decision-making

Socio-educational Groups

• Women Empowering Women Support Network: life skills educational activities
• Gentlemen's Forum: life skills educational activities for men
• Caribbean Lime: life skills and recreational programs for individuals 50 years or older, including book club, bingo, Lime Time and social check-ins

Youth Support -- social and educational programs for ages 9-24 years

• Together We Can Youth Mentorship Program -- Black, African, Caribbean youth or others develop the social skills to be successful in education, civic engagement and employment through interaction with positive role models

Youth Development & Education

Rise Above Youth -- for youth ages 14-18 years, self-development and self-awareness program

• group activities and discussions, focus on building self-esteem and self-worth
• online platform with games for connecting

Defy Your Label Boys & Girls -- support, inspiration, and guidance for ages 9-13

• promotes cultural experiences
• healthy communication, self-esteem, prosocial skills
• online platform with games for connecting

Education -- some programs have fees

• tutoring for grades 1-12, in math, English, science
• programming in STEM and coding

Social/Recreational

March break and Camp Tropicana for children and youth age 4-13 years

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

In partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police, the Extrajudicial Measures assists youth through a pre-charge diversion program while holding them accountable for their actions.

In partnership with the City of Kawartha Lake's Youth Crown's Office and Youth Justice Committee, the Extrajudicial Sanctions assists youth through a diversion program as an alternative to the formal court process.

Provide immediate emotional and practical support to victims of crime and tragic circumstances.

Seeks to empower victims and survivors of crime and tragic circumstances with emotional and/or practical support and resources to cope with the impact of victimization.

Early assistance and support available in-person or by telephone to victims of:

• Abduction
• Assault
• Attempt Murder
• Break and Enter
• Child Abuse
• Criminal Harassment
• Drowning
• Elder Abuse
• Residential Fires
• Hate Crime
• Human Trafficking
• Homicide
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Missing Persons
• Motor Vehicle Collision Fatalities
• Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images
• Sexual Assault (historical and current)
• Suicide
• Tragic Circumstances
• Voyeurism

and more.

Health and mental health information

• education and referral
• Psychosocial Education for the Community - zoom: 918 584 6813
• elder abuse
• addiction counselling
• crisis intervention and trauma counselling
• concurrent disorders group for people with mental health and addictions issues
• gaming addiction group and individual counselling
• family education
• intergenerational recreation group
• seniors social group
• individual advocacy
• research on Tamil's mental health issues
• community development and capacity building
• yoga and meditation

Women's Resources provides emergency shelter, support and referral for abused women, those identifying as women, and their children in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Outreach appointments can be conducted in person or virtual. All current COVID protocols are in place.

• 24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter staffed 24 hours a day.


• Community services include: individual counselling, housing supports, support groups, Bridges of Kawartha Lakes, Family Court Support and a resource library.
• Resource Centre - information and education on women's abuse and women's issues
• Outreach Services - supportive, one-to-one counselling for those who have experienced past abuse or are experiencing current abuse
• Bridges of Kawartha Lakes - connects women with necessary community partners and resources such as housing, legal aid, children's aid, medical consulting and parenting support
• Family Court Support - Information, support and referrals to help women navigate the family court support system
• Support Groups - support groups for women who have experienced violence in their lives
• Child Witness Program - groups for children who have been exposed to violence and abuse in their home. Sessions involve both boys and girls and groups are organized by age.
• Individual teen counselling for youth ages 12-16 who are experiencing abuse or issues of past abuse including sexual abuse. All calls are confidential.
• Public Speaking and Education - Women's Resources offers speakers to church groups, schools, service clubs and other organizations or businesses who are interested in learning more about Women's Resources or issues related to women abuse.
• Vicky's Values - gently used clothing store provides affordable quality clothing and household items to the community.
• Volunteers - are the cornerstone of Women's Resources. We rely on their dedication and commitment to support the services we provide. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer, please call 705-878-5938 or go to our website https://womensresources.ca/join/

Specialized Youth Services (formerly Attendance Program) -- alternative sentencing program

• group and individual counselling for anger management, substance abuse, violence prevention
• part-time employment program
• skill development workshops and training
• youth group for girls

Youth Justice Committee (YJC) -- court diversion committee for youth with low level offences

• services offered at Newmarket and Sault Ste Marie locations

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

Culturally sensitive counselling and advocacy

Violence Against Women (VAW) Program

• counselling for women in an abusive relationship and for children who witness acts of violence
• safety planning for protection while in transition
• crisis intervention, advocacy, and legal referrals
• interpretation, information and referral
• assistance for stress and depression related to separation from the familial surroundings, lack of adequate finances, physical and mental health issues, and support services and housing assistance within the Greek community
• counselling to develop the life skills of self-confidence and courage, parenting guidance, encouragement for further education
• referral to counselling groups for abusive men
• preventive community education, and public awareness as to the social and criminal consequences of domestic violence

Counselling -- to improve family relationships, parenting or children's education; referrals for anger management

Newcomers -- referrals for housing, employment, language training and settlement

Division of Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada