Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

On-site early intervention and crisis intervention * needs assessment * safety planning * referrals to community services and system navigation * enhanced support for vulnerable victims * assistance with applications to VQRP+

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to specific crimes including home safety, meals, transportation, basic necessities, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, and funeral expenses (homicide) * additional assistance for victims of human trafficking can include a 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 (under 25yrs) and spouses of homicide victims

One-to-on support for women who are engaged in survival sex work. The program offers care packages for women, as well as clothing and a safe space to have good conversation and to access supports, skill building or referrals if needed.

Provides shelter and services for women and children experiencing abuse. Services include:

• 24-hour support line (call or text - 905-356-5800)
• Counselling and emotional support for women and children/youth who are being or who have been abused
• Development of safety plans
• Transitional and housing support
• Public education programs
• Referrals

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

Services are available on an in-shelter or office visit basis.

Offer confidential, non-judgmental advice and support for women, non-binary individuals, and their children experiencing gender-based violence and abuse.

Services include:

• compassionate one-on-one and group counselling
• emergency accommodation and transportation
• safety planning
• child and youth programming
• violence prevention programs and education
• second-stage housing
• transitional housing and support
• legal advice and support

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

Women do not have to stay at the shelter to access any of the free, confidential services. The goal is to provide safety, support and empowerment to vulnerable women, Two-spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary individuals in the community.

Provides support, individual and group counselling to women, men, victims/survivors of human trafficking and others who have experienced rape, sexual assault, incest and childhood sexual abuse * 24 hour crisis support line - offering support/information for recent or past rape, sexual assault and abuse

Individual/group counselling and theme-based workshops for survivors * Support also available for family and friends * Outreach counselling available at several locations throughout Niagara region including Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Welland and West Lincoln

Hospital Response Workers provide accompaniment, emotional support and advocacy for victims attending the St Catharines hospital for medical care and/or Sexual Assault Evidence Kit collection (up to 7 day post assault) * Information, accompaniment and referrals to other agencies also available during police investigation and court proceedings

Volunteer Program: Contact office for more information

Public speakers available for community groups and high schools on various topics including: Sexual assault awareness and prevention * Date rape * Sexual harassment * Childhood sexual abuse prevention * Self defence

Ongoing education program: * Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Program for grades 1-6 * Youth Issues Prevention Program for grades 7-8 * Film, handouts and interactive discussions

Workshops available for professionals who come into contact with survivors of sexual assault and/or their families

Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (west region)

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

Serves anyone reporting to an emergency department in the Niagara Region.

Provides 24 hour emergency medical care and crisis intervention to all individuals (male and female) who have been sexually assaulted or victims of domestic violence within the last 12 days. Services are provided through a specialized team sensitive to the needs of survivors. Options of care include emotional support, prophylactic treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV post exposure prophylaxis, pregnancy prevention, and the collection of forensic evidence to assist in the legal process. Victims of domestic violence have options of medical treatment, documentation of injuries, safety planning and police involvement.

For emergency treatment, go to any emergency department in the Niagara Region. The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Program nurse will be paged.

Counselling Program: Offers short-term trauma counselling to recent victims (within 2 years of the assault/abuse) of sexual violence or intimate partner violence to individuals 16 years of age and older. A social worker is available to answer questions and/or determine eligibility for counselling services every Wednesday morning between 9 am-12 noon. Call for information.

Satellite location providing the following services:​

• counselling
• safety planning
• transitional housing
• access to the agency's shelter

Satellite location providing the following services:​

• counselling
• safety planning
• transitional housing
• access to the agency's shelter

Satellite location providing the following services:​

• counselling
• safety planning
• transitional housing
• access to the agency's shelter

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

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

Safety Zone Program

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

In office or mobile early intervention crisis response, with medium to long-term case management follow-up

• Trauma-informed, client-centered
• cultural sensitivity, intersectionality lens
• all ages and identities
• needs assessment
• safety planning
• referrals to community services
• enhanced support for vulnerable victims
• notification supports
• community group support
• navigation of VQRP+ supports
• GPS alarms supporting clients dealing with escalating violence

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

Moblie Emergency Response System-GPS alarms for clients with escalating violence who are striving to live a violence-free life that qualify through program criteria