Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

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

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

Indigenous support centre providing advocacy, social, cultural and educational programming

Programs include:

• Criminal Court Worker - assists offenders to better understand their rights, options, and responsibilities when appearing before the court. Assists adults and youth charged with criminal offenses to navigate the court processes
• Combined Court Worker - helps navigate Indigenous youth, adults, and families through criminal court, family court and child services
• Indigenous Healing and Wellness - assists individuals to access services, provide crisis intervention, offers traditional supports, provides peer counselling to community members impacted by violence. Services are available on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting

  This program is currently on hold

• Cultural Resource Coordinator - provides access to cultural knowledge by fostering positive Indigenous identity essential to well being and resilience. Services are culturally reflective and prevention-focused, with a focus on maintaining cultural connections to identity, knowledge, traditions, ceremonies, education, training, and traditional support
• Apatisiwin Program Worker - provides services to youth and adults in employment counselling, job preparations (application processing, resume/cover letter assistance, referrals to agencies, etc), purchase of training, apprenticeship skills training, and training supports

  This program is currently on hold

• Pandemic Relief Worker - provides services to individuals/families who are currently positive for Covid-19 or in insolation due to suspected exposure
• Mental Health and Wellness Coordinator - provides a holistic and positive approach to support the needs of mental health and addictions for Indigenous people and their families. Implements programs to improve the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of both clients and their families that are culturally based and foster the learning of self-respect and identity
• Mental Health Peer Support Coordinator - provides networks of support and mentorship to Urban Indigenous people under community supervision orders as they seek to improve their mental health, reduce any harms associated with their behaviours, avoid justice system recidivism, and pursue a Good Mind

  This program is currently on hold

An agency working to end interpersonal violence and abuse by supporting individuals and families who have experienced domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or gender-based violence through the provision of crisis intervention, emergency shelter, transitional support, children's programs, and counselling; and by fostering accountability for those who harm through intervention, counselling, public education, and systemic advocacy


Programs and services include:

• Crisis Line and Emergency Shelter - 33 emergency beds for abused and/or homeless women and children. Open 24/7 providing a safe haven, meals, support, and referrals to community resources

• Transitional Housing: Maria House - 8 residential units for longer-term residential stays for women and children in a setting that combines independent living with counselling and support

• Outreach- services for women wanting to make the transition to independent, violence-free living. Includes safety planning, accompaniment (i.e. to court, lawyer's office), home support, referrals and follow-up

• Counselling Services include:
  • Abuse Recovery Groups (for women 18+)
  • Caring Families (for high conflict families and their children)
  • Children Exposed to Domestic Violence (for children ages 6-16)
  • Mothers in Mind (for mothers and their children ages 0-5)
  • Challenge to Change ( PAR for men and women, SCRIBE for men only)

• Family Court Support - provide support and accompaniment for clients to family court, lawyers appointments and assist in navigating the Family Court system

• Violence Prevention and Community Outreach - presentations/seminars delivered to elementary students, secondary students, post-secondary institutions, service clubs, churches, businesses and other groups on such topics as domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual harassment and healthy relationships

• 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

• Volunteer Program - volunteers play a major role in fundraising and assisting staff with programs and services. Positions include Shelter Assistant, Emergency Child care Provider, Volunteer Driver, Housing and Employment Assistant, Tutor, Special Events Volunteer, Receptionist. Skilled volunteers also offer services such as massage therapy, yoga, and hairdressing on a regular basis to residential clients
  
  
  
• Closet Couture Boutique - social enterprise - high end second hand women's clothing

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

Counselling, information, referrals, and advocacy support are available to survivors of all genders of child sexual abuse, incest, and sexual assault, as well as their support persons

Immediate support, as well as an accompaniment to hospital, police or court, is available through the 24-hour crisis and support line

Community education and presentations are available to community members and groups upon request

Counselling services for individuals who are being abused, are abusive and/or at risk for abuse

Services offered

• Women's Program - individual and/or group counselling, support advocacy, liaison for women living in high-risk situations
  
• Child & Youth Program - individual and/or group counselling, support advocacy, liaison for children living in high-risk situations
  
• Men's Program - support and counselling available for men who have been abused or are abusive
  
• Sexual Assault Program - program for adult men and women who have been impacted by sexual abuse

Ganohkwasra provides services to individuals who are being abused, are abusive and/or at risk for abuse. Community Counselling offering the following services:

• Women's Program: Women's individual and/or group counselling, support advocacy, liaison for women living in high-risk situations
  
• Child & Youth Program: Children's individual and/or group counselling, support advocacy, liaison for children living in high-risk situations
  
• Youth Lodge: 6-bed co-ed residence for youth ages 12-18 experiencing serious difficulties in their lives
  
• Men's Program: Support and counselling available for men who have been abused or are abusive
  
• Emergency Shelter: 24-hour safe shelter for abused individuals and their children; provides in-house individual and group counselling
  
• Next Step Housing: Individuals and their children who require housing on reserve may stay up to 2 years Individual and group counselling supports are available
  
• Community Education: Available to present information to the community regarding the dynamics of abuse and its effects on individuals, families, and communities

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

The department oversees justice programs for Six Nations of the Grand River
Services include:

• Restorative Justice/Diversion Program
  
• Victim Services
  
• Bail Verification and Supervision Program
  
• Legal Aid clinic

Supports Indigenous women in navigating through complex systems encountered when experiencing violence and involvement in child welfare matters. Focuses on crisis management and stabilization, awareness and education, planning and goal setting, liaising with service providers, and providing conflict resolution support.

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

Safe steps is a 6- week foundational program for mothers where there has been domestic violence in the home. The focus of the program is to provide a good understanding on the impact of violence on children and youth and, learn strategies and tips to support children impacted by the violence. The 6 -week program consists of learning about stages of child development and brain development of children, exploration of children and youth experience of domestic violence, feelings and emotion regulation, boundaries, sexual abuse prevention, safety plans and safety planning with children and, self-esteem and resilience- building tools. Child- focussed activities are discussed with the mothers to support them with engaging their children in the journey of healing from the violence experienced in the home.

Program is offered virtually to mothers only, once a week for 1.5 hours over a period of 6- weeks. A letter of participation and certificate is provided to mothers who complete the program.

Please email safesteps@wcswr.org for more information or to register for the program.

Helps survivors of the holocaust with home care (such as personal support workers, light housecleaning, etc.) and emergency financial aid (including emergency rent, food, medical costs, etc.) to help keep them independent and in their homes as long as possible. Works in collaboration with The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany.

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

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

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

Due to the COVID-19 virus, the SACHA office has been closed and all in-person programs have been cancelled. Staff will be working from home and can be reached by phone or email. Staff support is available 24/7 via the helpline at 905-525-4162.

Offers supportive programming for women from Hamilton's diverse racial and cultural communities, in particular women who are immigrant, newcomers, and refugees. Services include: individual support, women's support groups, information and referral, advocacy and accompaniment, and practical assistance such as childcare, bus tickets, and snacks.

Provides support to youth 24 years of age and younger who are or have been involved in a human trafficking situation.

Services include:

• one-on-one support from a case worker
• community referrals
• safety planning
• harm reduction strategies

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

Address issues, concerns, and challenges affecting seniors and disabled adults with respect to the law. This position is a community-based and community-driven initiative.

Information and support is available to seniors, their families or service providers. Programs and presentations are researched, developed and presented on a variety of topics (such as quality of life issues, frauds and scams, personal/home safety, etc.). Reports of abuse (physical, financial, psychological, or neglect) are forwarded to the officers for assessment and further investigation if required. Cases identified as criminal offences are followed up. Major cases may be referred to the Crimes Against Seniors Unit for further investigation.

Supports direct victims, their immediate family members, and witnesses in the immediate aftermath of violent crimes by providing short-term support with essential expenses in order to lessen the impact of the crime, enhance safety, and meet immediate practical needs arising from the commission of the crime.

Support is available for:

• Safety expenses
• Practical assistance expenses
• Travel and associated expenses
• Crime scene clean-up
• Counselling services, traditional Indigenous health services and associated transportation expenses
• Expanded supports for survivors of human trafficking and
• Supports for victims with serious injuries and for families of homicide victims

24-hour emotional support and practical assistance to individuals victimized by crime or tragic circumstance such as homicides, suicides, sudden death, assaults, sexual assaults, domestic violence, motor vehicle and fire fatalities, robberies, and harassment. Staff and specially trained volunteers provide practical assistance, emotional support, and referrals for additional community resources.

Offers legal advocacy support, information, and court accompaniment to women who have experienced family violence. Provides support with navigating legal systems when leaving an abusive relationship, including family, criminal, immigration, and child welfare issues.

An early intervention program that provides group supports for children who have witnessed woman abuse, by offering opportunities to share their feelings regarding the abuse and violence they have witnessed, in a creative and supportive environment.

• Kids Groups programs involve safety planning, abuse prevention, building self-esteem, anger management, conflict resolution, and dating violence support
• Mother's Groups programs involve definind and understanding abuse, discussions about the impact of children witnessing abuse, parenting skills, safety planning, and custody access issues

Supports children who have experienced abuse. Services include assessment, safety planning, counselling, and short-term follow-up supports.

The Youth Justice Committee involves trained community members who meet with victims, young people aged 12-17 accused of minor, non-violent offences, and their parents, to negotiate an appropriate way for the young person to make amends for their actions. All young people must agree to accept responsibility for their actions and to apologize to the victim.

This program is funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General.