Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs
Located near Oakville
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
* 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
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:
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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- 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
Office: 905-403-9691 ext 2221
Crisis: 905-403-0864 ; 905-676-8515
Visit Website
- 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
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
Visit Website
- 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
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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
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
* 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:
- men's groups are located in Burlington and Milton
- women's groups are located in Burlington
- individual sessions are provided for those with same sex-partners
* 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:
- men's groups are located in Burlington and Milton
- women's groups are located in Burlington
- individual sessions are provided for those with same sex-partners
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
Crisis: Mon-Sun 24 hours North Shelter (Milton and Halton Hills) 905-878-8555 Mon-Sun 24 hours South Shelter (Burlington and Oakville) 905-332-7892
Visit Website
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)
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
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
Visit Website
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
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
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
- 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
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
Office: 905-451-4655
After Hours: 416-410-8615
Office: 905-795-3500
Visit 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
- 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
- travel arrangements and expenses
- language interpretation
- real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities
- 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
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
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Violence against women prevention program through racially and culturally appropriate services
- individual counselling, advocacy, support groups
- court accompaniment, information and referral
* 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
- 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
- travel arrangements and expenses
- language interpretation
- real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities
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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
- 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
- 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
- activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning
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