Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs
Located near Hamilton
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
Crisis: 905-525-4162
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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 the criminal court process. Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the case is over.
Services include:
- case-specific information ex. court dates, bail conditions
- court preparation
- needs assessment
- emotional support
- crisis intervention
- referrals to community agencies
Also administers the Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund which provides court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court. Services supported by this fund include travel arrangements and expenses, language interpretation, and real-time captioning or other equipment of victims with disabilities.
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.
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
This program is funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General.
- Community service
- Letter of apology
- Financial restitution
- Participation in community programming
- Counselling
An early intervention program that provides group supports for children and youth who have witnessed violence, by offering opportunities to share their feelings regarding the abuse and violence they have witnessed in a creative and supportive environment.
The specifics of the course vary slightly by organization. Contact each site for specific details.
Crisis: 1-888-308-6559
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Supports Indigenous women in a culturally rooted, holistic way to navigate 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.
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
Crisis: If you are in immediate danger call 9-1-1 Mon-Sun 24 hours: Halton Women's Place Burlington 905-332-7892 ; Halton Women's Place Milton 905-878-8555 ; Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555
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The regional sexual assault and domestic violence care centre of Halton
- team is made up of Registered Nurses (RN), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and physicians who provide care on an emergency basis
- RN's work with paediatricians when caring for children
- a registered social worker is also available
- offers choice of care
- services can be provided with or without police involvement
Services include:
- acute care for an assault has occurred within the last 12 days including crisis intervention and emotional support, documentation of assault and injuries, safety planning, and referrals to community agencies for further support
- non-acute care for an assault has occurred more than 12 days ago
- follow-up care
- sexual assault
- domestic abuse
Survivor-Led Peer Advocacy Program
- a space that has been designed by survivors, for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking
- welcomes referrals to virtual programming opportunities, including group opportunities and individualized supports, from across Canada
- also offers individualized, in-person support to survivors within the Halton Region and the City of Hamilton
- not a crisis response centre
Mentorship & Encouragement
- through group programming and one-on-one support
- connect with survivors to navigate life's celebrations and challenges
Group activities
- offer a range of group activities that build community among survivors, promotes resiliency, and encourages the development of life skills and emotional well-being
- activities include topic-based discussions, movement classes, book club, and social opportunities like movie nights and holiday gatherings
- currently offering virtual group activities and some in-person gatherings
Resources and Connection
- share resources and opportunities with network of survivors
- help survivors navigate systems (judicial, health, social, economic, etc.) that support their healing journey
Amplifying Voices
- amplify survivors' voices when possible and appropriate
- actively look for opportunities for survivors to speak and share their voices, stories, and expertise
Nancy's House
- is a first of its kind -- a second stage, long-term transitional home for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking in Hamilton/Halton
- provides a safe and supportive space for residents to heal, reclaim, and restore
- a bridge between first stage emergency shelters/short-term safe houses and third stage independent living
- access to specialized programs and services, individualized and holistic care, wrap-around services, and a sense of belonging and community amongst other survivors
- programming elements are delivered through a combination of in-house services as well as in partnership with services and organizations in the wider Halton/Hamilton community
Offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner
- available in-person, by video or phone
Individual counselling:
- individual counselling and therapy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each woman
- information on abuse, safety planning and community resources is also available
- services are free of charge and offered in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown
Education and support groups:
- eight week group provides an opportunity to decrease isolation and to gain insight into the experience and impact of living with abuse and control
- group is offered frequently, day and evening groups are available
A 12-week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict
- victims and/or partners of the offender are provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on the offender's progress
The program helps participants to:
- take full responsibility for their behaviour
- understand the effects of their behaviour on their partner and their children
- identify and change attitudes that lead to abusive behaviour
- learn to respect the opinions and wishes of all family members
There are separate programs for men and women:
- groups are offered online
- men can join the online program from the Burlington office, if required
- individual sessions are provided for those with same sex-partners
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8 (22km)
Crisis Support Workers provide support and assistance to survivors of human trafficking. Services include:
- crisis intervention
- crisis housing
- basic needs
- emotional support
- advocacy & accompaniment
- safety planning and/or risk assessment
- supportive counselling
- practical assistance for transportation & service accessibility
- system navigation and housing supports
- life skills and mentorship
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8 (22km)
Services include:
- 24-hour crisis line
- free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
Public Education
- customized public education workshops are available for elementary and high school students, community members and agencies in Halton
- for more information or to book a free presentation contact savis@savisofhalton.org, or visit - savisofhalton.org/public-presentations
Anti-Human Trafficking Services
- Case Workers provide support and assistance to survivors
- for more information, see listing - OAK0170
Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking
- created to raise awareness about human trafficking in Halton and surrounding area
- for more information, see listing - OAK0047
Offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner
- available in-person, by video or phone
Individual counselling:
- individual counselling and therapy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each woman
- information on abuse, safety planning and community resources is also available
- services are free of charge and offered in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown
Education and support groups:
- eight week group provides an opportunity to decrease isolation and to gain insight into the experience and impact of living with abuse and control
- group is offered frequently, day and evening groups are available
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:
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
- 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
Crisis: 1-866-445-2204
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- 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
