Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

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

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

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

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

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

Civilian law enforcement agency

• has jurisdiction over municipal, regional and provincial police officers in Ontario, as well as special constables employed by the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service, anyone the SIU is mandated to investigate is referred to as an 'official'
• investigates incidents involving officials where there is a serious injury, death, allegation of sexual assault or discharge of a firearm by an official at a person
• objective of every investigation is to determine whether there is evidence of criminal wrongdoing on the part of the official

Affected Persons Program - provides support and assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by SIU investigations

First Nations, Inuit and Metis Liaison Program - geared to providing culturally sensitive guidance in the Unit's approach to incidents involving First Nations, Inuit and Metis persons or communities

Outreach Program - participates in community events and educational sessions

Director's Resource Committee (DRC) - helps address community concerns and assists the SIU to improve relations with the public

Independent of any police service and operates at arm's length from the Ministry of the Attorney General

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 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

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

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

Confidential coordinated access to services and supports, including system navigation and wraparound services, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and domestic violence, trauma and abuse counselling

• personalized safety planning
• housing and shelter placement support
• assistance with legal aid certificate application
• family court support and bail court updates
• settlement services
• case conferences
• child resource packages and parenting support
• financial subsidy application support
• partner in human trafficking prevention and intervention
• community partner collaborations, including Peel Regional Police

COVID19 -- contact organization for service updates

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

Violence against women prevention program through racially and culturally appropriate services

• individual counselling, advocacy, support groups
• court accompaniment, information and referral

Partners with a shelter providing transitional housing for women, with Embrave, Agency to End Violence (see separate listing)

COVID19 -- in-person and virtual services available; all group sessions offered online

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

Settlement Services

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
• seasonal income tax clinic
• connection with community and volunteer opportunities
• monthly Service Canada clinics to assist with OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
• weekly virtual English conversation circle
• participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- (see separate entry), day and evening classes available in various locations

Employment Support -- orientation to the job market

• workshops covering job search preparation and strategies, labour market information, workplace culture, resume, cover letter and interview preparation, career information and networking opportunities

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

Newcomer Mental Health Program -- culturally appropriate counselling in Hindi, Arabic, English for newcomer individuals, couples and families

• 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

Family Literacy Program -- language and age appropriate family reading resources through a lending library

• activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning

Community programs

Group and individual counseling 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

Attendance Centres -- for young women in conflict with the law who have received probation, detention and/or custodial sentences * programs and services include counselling, education, job skills/employment, parenting and anger management * also located in Milton and Oakville

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 years who have been involved, are still involved or at risk of sexual exploitation

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

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

Empowering Against Exploitation (EAE), 905-456-1315 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 harms and ways they can work towards ending sexual harm

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

Girls in the Know -- mentorship program for females at Syl Apps focusing on self-awareness, empowerment and self-respect

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

Safety Zone Program

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

COVID19 -- limited in-person services with limited hours at each location; also continuing to provide services over the telephone, via email, Zoom, Skype and Google Classroom; for more information, call or visit website


Support for Women and Families

• short term supportive counselling including parenting and family supportive counselling
• employment and career counselling
• support groups for women from various cultures
• resources and information for parents and families
• information workshops on health related topics, assertiveness, employment, life skills, stress management and parenting

Violence Prevention and Crisis Intervention

• crisis support and counselling for women and children who have experienced or are experiencing violence in the home
• legal and medical referrals
• accompaniment to legal, medical and social services resources
• information, public and community education on wife abuse
• support groups for women who are victims of spousal abuse

Anti-Human Trafficking of Vulnerable Women Healing Group -- support group for women who have experienced childhood and intimate partner abuse, women coming from war-torn countries or women suffering from trauma and illness as a result of abuse

Newcomer Assistance and Integration

• immigrant/newcomer settlement support and counselling
• information sessions for newcomers and community residents
• information and referral
• English language instruction for newcomers to Canada at various locations -- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry, childminding for children 6 months-5 years while parents attend class
• English as a Second Language (ESL) preschool program
• labour market information for newcomers * Library Settlement Partnership services (LSP)

Seniors' Services

• skills development; computer training, educational workshops, leadership training
• intergenerational groups
• social and recreational programs, fitness, tours, excursions
• advocacy on seniors issues

Youth Services

• services for all youth
• youth newcomer settlement support
• one-on-one counselling
• homework help, career-education networking, after-school programs, recreational activities, cooking club
• Youth Program for ages 16-26 years: leadership skills, English language skills, integration into the community
• volunteering opportunities and community service for high school graduation
• English Conversation Circles

Family Drop In -- for parents and children of all ages

Welcoming Communities, (Community Connections Mentorship Program)

• matches newcomers with Canadian volunteers who offer orientation to the local area and moral support in transition to Canada
• English conversation circles
• newcomers build leadership skills, newcomer family drop-in, social events such as movies, cooking club

Healthy Lifestyles and Well-Being

• health promotion workshops
• mental health challenges and coping strategy support
• stress management activities
• one-on-one support and referrals to health services
• fitness assessment, fitness activities, yoga
• blood pressure check in partnership with the local community health centre

Community Development

Participation on various coalitions, community networks and committees; volunteer opportunities

COVID19 -- full-time in-person services have resumed, Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm; call 416-533-8545 or email info@spanishservices.org; appointments only - no walk-ins


Settlement Program

• information, counselling and referral
• assistance with completing government and social services application forms
• ESL classes
• commissioner of oaths
• interpretation and translation services
• monthly settlement workshops

Violence Against Women (VAW) Program

• individual crisis counselling and group counselling by telephone or in person
• support groups for isolated women and their children
• information and orientation about legal rights
• assistance leaving the abusive home, finding transitional housing and applying for social assistance

Volunteer Program

Volunteer opportunities with ESL classes, food security assistance and interpretation and translation assistance

Seniors Program

• art-based workshops
• informational workshops

Legal Clinic, see separate record

HIV and AIDS Prevention Services, see separate record

Responsible for decision making processes regarding the release of offenders from incarceration, other than by normal expiration of sentence

• authorized to consider, for parole or unescorted temporary absences of 72 hours or longer, adult offenders who are serving sentences of less than two years in provincial institutions
• conditions for release and parole or temporary absence may be revoked for non-compliance with these conditions
• receives and manages demands from the public to observe parole hearings

Victims of crime may submit information for consideration by the Board in making its decisions. This may be done in writing, by phone, or in person at the parole hearing

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

South Asian Family Enrichment (SAFE)
Outreach, support and educational awareness on family violence issues

COVID19 Emergency shelter open and accepting new referrals; enhanced screening and safety measures

Emergency shelter, including crisis individual and group counselling, practical information and assistance with legal services, housing support, food, clothing and personal care items, action plan development, life skills development, self esteem, parenting groups, computer training, and activities and homework club for children

• safety planning for residents and non-residents

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

Major Services:

• 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
• HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a training Violence Against Women Counsellor
• safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for a maximum of 8 weeks for abused women and their dependent children
• individual and/or supportive group counselling at the shelter
• community agency information and referral when necessary
• court support for interim custody and restraining orders
• children's services
• emergency transportation to shelter, if necessary
• depart planning
• SafePet Program
• advocacy and public education around ending violence against women
• transitional support program
• accepts donations of goods for those in the shelter and those moving from the shelter to permanent housing (see list of needs here)

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

Schools programs

• EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 8-week program led by a male facilitator that guides male students through discussion around popular and sports culture, through a gender lens, and discusses what 'healthy masculinity' means, wrapping up by planning an experiential or service learning initiative (participants may receive up to 15 volunteer hours toward their Community Involvement requirement)

COVID19 -- virtual support over the phone, call main office or email; will reply in an hour; in-person support also available; masks provided
----------------------------------------

Migration

• legal information and support on immigration and refugee issues, work permits, student permits, permanent resident applications, and other issues
• new clients may drop in Mondays 9:30 am-4 pm

Refugee Hearing and Appeal Preparation (Ready Tour) - helping claimants through every step of the process

Settlement Shelter

• transitional housing for refugee claimant women and children, capacity 30 for stays up to 12 months
• help with the refugee process, including legal, mental health, social services and other referrals
• support and accompaniment to appointments

Food Distribution and Income Security Program - food hampers for households in the Greater Toronto area

Primary Health Care Clinic - by appointment; no Ontario Health Insurance required

Support Groups and Activities for Women

English Language Learning (ELL)

Youth Program -- for newcomer youth regardless of immigration status offering mutual support, volunteering and skills development, social and sports activities, Wednesdays 4 pm-6 pm

Services for Victims/Survivors of Human Trafficking -- holistic support and a full range of services through the process including orientation, legal information, immigration options, housing, employment support, and counselling

Migrant Protection Clinic Program

• travelling clinic where FCJ staff help local agency staff to conduct a clinic
• help for migrants needing support
• coaching for local staff to understand immigration processes

Migrants Workers Program -- 647-971-2153, call or through WhatsApp

• mobile service to support migrant workers by informing them about labour and immigration laws, human rights, and community supports

Public Education -- workshops for service providers and others on legal information needs of refugee claimants and non-status people and on immigration and refugee procedures, publications, public speakers