Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

Provides short-term emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime and road trauma, which encompasses serious personal injuries and fatalities

• volunteers are specially trained individuals who help victims cope during crisis situations
• Annual Angels N' Motion 5k Run/Walk fundraiser in September

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.

This is a committee comprised of trained senior volunteers who mentor and support other seniors and older adults who have committed an offense in the community. The committee works with the offender to determine appropriate sanctions consistent with restorative justice practices. These may include:

• Community service
• Letter of apology
• Financial restitution
• Participation in community programming
• Counselling

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

A Ministry of the Attorney General funded program delivered by the Victim Services Unit

Specially trained staff and volunteer crisis responders, who work with HRPS offering crisis intervention, emotional support, practical assistance and community referrals to victims of crime and tragedy throughout Halton Region

Crisis Intervention

• Unit is equipped to respond to crisis situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when requested by a police officer
• when called upon, volunteers respond where required and provide immediate assistance to serious incidents involving a broad spectrum of physical/psychological trauma, including:
  • sudden death
  • homicide and suicide
  • assault, including sexual assault
  • domestic violence
  • elder abuse
  • robberies
  • motor vehicle collisions

Victim Quick Response Program

• provides quick limited financial assistance to victims of homicide, attempted murder, serious physical assault, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, criminal harassment, child abuse and hate crime
• for more information, visit OAK0194

Mobile Tracking System

• a GPS tracking device that acts as a personal alarm for individuals identified as at risk of further violence
• places a priority on victims safety and promotes an improved response to victims

Project Lifesaver

• a program that combines radio technology with a coordinated rapid response to help police locate wandering or missing individuals
• for more information, visit OAK9152

Vulnerable Person Registry

• this service allows a family member and/or caregivers of vulnerable persons to submit critical information to Halton Regional Police Service that may be used during an emergency situation
• for more information, visit OAK0076

A Victim Services Unit office is located in each of the Service's four divisions:

• Halton Hills 10 and 11 Divisions
• Burlington 30 Division
• Milton 12 Division
• Oakville 20 Division

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

If you witness or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation or if a victim comes to you there are agencies in Halton Region that offer help and support services:

Reporting to Police

• Halton Regional Police Service -- call 905-825-4777 and ask for the on-duty Vice unit officer
• Crime Stoppers of Halton -- 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

Crisis Support & Counselling

• SAVIS Crisis Line -- 24/7 Crisis line: 905-875-15555
• SAVIS Anti-Human Trafficking Services -- 24/7 Human Trafficking Crisis Support Line 905-483-0472
• Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network -- 1-866-528-7109 for 24/7 telephone counselling
• Distress Centre Halton -- 24/7 Crisis line Oakville 905-849-4541, Burlington 905-681-1488, North Halton 905-877-1211
• COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team) -- 24/7 Crisis line 1-877-825-9011
• Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline -- 1-833-900-1010

Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers

• SAVIS (Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton) -- 905-483-0472
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel Halton -- 905-459-1315 or 905-624-1755

Emergency Shelter and Practical Assistance

• Halton Women's Place -- 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)
• Salvation Army Lighthouse Emergency Shelter -- 905-339-2918
• Halton Regional Police Service - Victim Services -- 905-825-4777 ext 5239

Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse) Hospital Emergency Rooms:

• Georgetown Hospital -- 905-873-0111
• Joseph Brant Hospital -- 905-632-3737
• Milton District Hospital -- 905-878-2383
• Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital -- 905-845-2571
• Nina's Place, Regional Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre, Joseph Brant Hospital -- 905-336-4116

Support for people younger than 18 or have dependents younger than 18

• Halton Children's Aid Society -- 24/7 905-333-4441
• Halton Regional Police Service - Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau

COVID19 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program, Central Intake Line, Emergency Shelter Program, and Community Support and Outreach Program continue without disruption, as well as all support and counselling programs and services; enhanced screening in place using Ontario Ministry of Health Assessment Tool, PPE, and antigen test

• community and client meetings available by phone or online
• sexual violence counselling available by phone or online
• online Anti-Black Racism Sexual Violence Support Group
• 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program 905-403-0864, 905-676-8515, or 1-855-676-8515
• Central Intake Line 905-676-0257 or 1-800-676-0257 for Transitional Housing supports available 9 am-4:30 pm
• for donations, contact Julie Shultz, Development Manager, julie@embrave.ca
• visit website for updates and service information

----------

24-hour Crisis Line Support Line Program
Immediate support to survivors in the community who are experiencing any form of violence, including crisis support and intervention, risk assessment and safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, problem solving and shelter intake

Central Intake Line for Transitional Housing Supports in Peel Region
First point of contact for transitional housing support program and community outreach services

• one-to-one support
• risk assessment and safety planning
• emotional support
• legal support (criminal, family, immigration)
• housing supports
• information and referrals
• problem-solving, advocacy
• shelter access

Emergency Shelter Program
24/7 intake for individuals and there dependents (up to 18 years) who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing any form of violence

• capacity 54
• stay up to 4 months
• service provided regardless of geographical location
• referrals to alternative shelters as required based on safety or capacity issues

Sexual Violence Counselling Program
Emotional support and counselling, support groups, and information and referral, available in-person or remotely (phone, email, online)

• pressuring/convincing
• sexual assault
• childhood sexual abuse
• sexual harassment
• online sexual violence

Community Support and Outreach Program
Including safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, and problem-solving, and assistance in accessing housing and shelter support, and legal and immigration support

Child, Youth and Parenting

• supportive counselling for parents and families dealing with cultural and inter-generational conflict- culturally and linguistically responsive
• positive parenting strategies and helps families understand the range of supports available
• crisis intervention and risk assessment, system navigational support, linkages to resources for youth and families
• support in areas such as challenges or conflict over social norms, family violence/breakdown, mental health, developmental disability, dealing with anxiety and stress, identifying abusive behaviours and healthy versus unhealthy relationships, coping strategies for families dealing with separation, divorce, co-parenting or parenting in blended families

Community Mental Health Support

• Housing and Support in Peel (HASP) in partnership with Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP) delivers housing support services to clients residing in SHIP units including case management, service coordination, and person-centred centered support planning
• advocates with landlords, hospitals, psychiatrists
• skills development to improve quality of life, resolve day to day conflicts, manage setbacks and increase independence and housing stability

Family Court Support Services

• support to victims of domestic violence navigating the family court system
• helps clients understand their rights and to make informed decisions on matters related to custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property and assets
• helps clients to understand and navigate court appearances and lawyer appointments; safety planning and risk assessments
• assistance documenting the history of abuse
• court accompaniment where appropriate

ACES Program for Women (Advocacy, Counselling, Empowerment & Safety)

• culturally sensitive counselling for women who are victims of domestic/family violence and abuse
• crisis intervention, counselling, risk assessment, safety planning, transitional support, educational workshops, assistance with legal issues and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• women's groups to support health and wellness
• support groups for women and children who have witnessed partner abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network
• French service through partners OASIS or La Maison d'Hébergement (see separate listing)

Intersections: Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomers

• drop-in, safe space, for settlement information with a 2SLGTBQ+ lens
• private, confidential, one-to-one settlement support
• peer mentoring
• referral to other services
• workshops and information sessions
• resource library, and social activities such as movies, art and crafts
• promotes welcoming communities through community presentations and information sessions

Services also offered at Safe Centre of Peel, 60 West Drive, Suite 110, Brampton

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, phone, email and virtual services

Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services, including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education

Mental Health Counselling and Support
Confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services

• individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
• service coordination and referral to treatment

Settlement Services
Including needs assessment, information and referral, orientation, supportive counselling, interpretation and translation services, employment counselling and computer training, and peer support groups

• referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
• assistance with documation and completing applications

Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
Specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning

• homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
• workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
• parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
• assistance accessing free or affordable community programs

Language and Skills Training
Includes English as a Second Language (ESL), computer classes, citizenship preparation classes

• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing

Public Education Program
Includes community consultation and public information, and international projects

COVID19

• services provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
• group sessions offered in-person and online
• LINC classes offered in-person and online

----------- --------------- --------------

Settlement Services -- needs assessment and action planning, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops

• support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
• help completing government forms and applications, including citizenship applications
• connection with community and volunteer opportunities
• seasonal income tax clinic
• monthly Service Canada clinics OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
• weekly English conversation circle

Financial Literacy Services-- Newcomers are assisted to build skills and tools they need to take control of their financial lives. Through weekly guided sessions newcomers understand financial literacy concepts in addition to the connection between income and careers, and how student loans work.

Refugee Settlement Services -- a full range of settlement services tailored to the needs of newcomers in Arabic, Dari, Farsi, and Ukrainian languages.

Women's Wellness Services- wellness support services available in women-only setting to support newcomer women in enhancing their wellness literacy. Women participate in weekly wellness-related sessions to overcome their day-to-day challenges through guided wellness-focused activities

Women Support Services -- confidential counselling services for newcomer women and their children who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse; individual or group sessions

• short-term, goal focused counselling including the development of transition and safety strategies and information on rights and options
• crisis and support counselling to assist individuals seeking immediate assistance
• linking women to appropriate services in the community that address legal, housing, financial and long term counselling needs

Transitional Housing Support Program -- women and their children or dependents who identify as victims of family violence are provided referrals to transitional housing or temporary shelter or application for subsidized housing ; these applications are considered Special Priority status due to high safety concerns

Newcomer Mental Health Program -- culturally appropriate counselling support for newcomer individuals, couples and families

• Crisis Intervention Services - additional support for clients who encounter problems and crisis adjusting to life in Canada
• support and tools to manage the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, family conflict, trauma and other life transitions through individual counselling and educational workshops

COVID19 Contact for information on in-person, telephone or virtual services, or visit EveryMind website

Access to Mental Health Service for Children and Youth in Peel, WhereToStart.ca
Coordinated, centralized intake and access for children, youth and families seeking mental health services, call 905-451-4655 or request intake online; free webinars for parents/caregivers, register online

• 24/7 crisis response
• prevention and early intervention
• individual, group and family counselling
• Wraparound Process
• consultation for families at child care centres and EarlyON Child and Family Centres
• Best Start programs
• day treatment, school-based programs, residential treatment
• case management for children with complex mental health needs
• respite services
• arson prevention
• child witness preparation
• sexual abuse treatment
• youth assessment by court referral

Online support program
For youth 14-24 years who have previously received mental health or counselling services; 8-weeks peer group support followed by 8-weeks individual support; contact for details

Community programs

Group and individual counselling including theft prevention, anger management, drug and alcohol counselling

Court programs

Diversion and alternate measure programs including community service and counselling

• Court support program -- practical assistance, support, information to women in and out of custody

Youth programs

Court support for youth

• Follow up and aftercare program -- assists young women leaving custody with reintegration
• support, advocacy and referrals to community resources for counselling, education, employment, housing

Transitional housing

Ellen House -- halfway house for women 18 years and older, capacity 10

• counselling, release planning

Marjorie Amos Residence -- open custody/open detention facility for young women 12-17 years, capacity 10

• helps reintegration into the community
• supervision and guidance
• educational upgrading
• life skills

Outreach/Preventative Education programs

Female Mobile Support (FMS), 905-459-1315 ext 250 -- for female youth 12-24 who have been involved, are still involved or at risk of sexual exploitation

• Monday-Sunday 24 hours
• support and services including housing, life skills, counseling, medical care and mentoring and advocacy
• referrals to community resources

Building Resiliency in Girls, 905-459-1315 ext 425 -- prevention/intervention based program addressing the social, emotional and cultural needs of girls 12-18 years

Empowering Against Exploitation (EAE), 905-459-1315 ext 247 -- preventative education program for young women 12-24 years to address online safety and sexual exploitation in the community

Empowering Young Men (EYM), 905-459-1315 ext 250 -- preventative education program for young men 12-24 years addressing sexual exploitation, its harm and ways they can work towards ending sexual harm

Change is Choice program -- addresses problems with substance abuse, and anger management and criminal thinking in order to motivate women at Vanier Centre for Women to enter more intensive rehabilitation

Girls in the Know -- mentorship program for female youth at Syl Aps focusing on self-awareness, empowerment and self-respect

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