Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

COVID19 Update: Court case backlog -- clients may experience difficulties contacting local offices and should leave a message with return phone number; VWAP staff will return voicemail as soon as possible

• Provides information and assistance to support participation in the criminal court process
• Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over

Offers:

• Case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
• Court preparation
• Needs assessment
• Emotional support
• Crisis intervention
• Referrals to community agencies

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund

Provides financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court, including:

• Travel arrangements and expenses
• Language interpretation
• Real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

Provides programs, services and advocacy that supports the right of all women and their families to live free from violence, poverty and oppression as they build their desired futures, including:

• Crossroads Shelter in Peterborough
• Haliburton Emergency Rural SafeSpace (HERS)
• 24 Hour Support and Crisis Line: 1-800-461-7656
• Support by appointment or walk-in (9:30 am - 3:00 pm, Mondays only - START Program)
• Family Court Support
• Nourish Food Programs
• Education Awards
• Youth Engagement / Violence Prevention programming
• Referrals

Provides weekly religion-based services and practical assistance to inmates of area correctional facilities and clientele at The Ontario Court of Justice in Peterborough.

• Anger & Conflict Management - 8 week program, professional or self referral.
• Positive Lifestyles program provides support, guidance and direction for people who shoplift or commit other minor criminal offences. The program provides ways of helping participants solve emotional problems and assists them in refraining from further criminal behaviour.
• A Court Support Worker offers spiritual and practical assistance to the accused, victims and their families. Also provides an important information service for professionals and their clients and information about court procedures and the legal system.
• Court programs include: The Positive Lifestyles Program and the provision of community service placements for individuals fulfilling Community Service Orders.

COVID19 Staff available by phone at 289-251-1949 or email. Services are offered both in person and virtually as needed.

Regular service
Provides court preparation and court accompaniment and support for children or youth who may need to testify in a criminal court proceeding.

• Helps explain what to expect and navigate the criminal justice system.
• Also offers help with Victim Impact Statements

Offers individual and group counselling as well as advocacy and accompaniment for sexual assault survivors.

• 24/7 Text and web-chat crisis support available through the website
• Text: 705-710-5234
• Workshops and individual services are available as needed in Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton
• Public education and training opportunities are available upon request
• Public education opportunities for individuals, groups, sports teams, community members, schools
• Support for family members is also available
• Staffing: Staff and volunteers

Youth Diversion works with police, courts, the community and schools to keep young people with minor offenses out of the court system. Goal is for the young person to repair the harm done and be held accountable for the offense.

Restorative Justice/Youth Justice Committee offers an alternative way of thinking about crime and conflict. Challenges the community to look at youth justice differently, to respond to crime differently and to seek new solutions to restore balance after a crime has been committed.

• restorative justice focuses on holding the accused accountable in a meaningful way, repairing the harm caused by the offence and achieving a sense of healing for both the victim and the community
• involves a face-to-face meeting between the victim, the accused and members of the community, led by trained volunteer facilitators
• meeting helps the parties develop an understanding of the crime and each other, and of the steps needed to make amends
• in most cases participation in the program diverts youth from going through the Criminal Justice System

People interested in volunteering should contact Reception

Provides safe, secure shelter for women, with or without children, who are fleeing abuse in their lives.
Services include:

• 24 hour support by phone and in the shelter
• transportation to the shelter (dependant on situation)
• food and emergency clothing while at the shelter
• all meals included
• community referrals
• court and housing support

Family Court Support Worker Program provides information on the family court process and assistance with:

• documenting the history of abuse for family court proceedings
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Police-based victim services program provides post-incident and long-term information, referral and support to victims of crime and tragic circumstances

• Mandated to respond to people victimized in: all crimes of violence, domestic incidents, break and enters and criminal harassment
• Services include information on the justice system, emotional support, liaison services, family court information and support, court support, information on community resources
• Resource information on victims' issues available by request
• Guest speakers available
• Facility Dog available by request

Online resources available at survivortoolkit.ca

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

Women's Resources provides emergency shelter, support and referral for abused women, those identifying as women, and their children in the City of Kawartha Lakes. Outreach appointments can be conducted in person or virtual. All current COVID protocols are in place.

• 24-hour crisis line and emergency shelter staffed 24 hours a day.


• Community services include: individual counselling, housing supports, support groups, Bridges of Kawartha Lakes, Family Court Support and a resource library.
• Resource Centre - information and education on women's abuse and women's issues
• Outreach Services - supportive, one-to-one counselling for those who have experienced past abuse or are experiencing current abuse
• Bridges of Kawartha Lakes - connects women with necessary community partners and resources such as housing, legal aid, children's aid, medical consulting and parenting support
• Family Court Support - Information, support and referrals to help women navigate the family court support system
• Support Groups - support groups for women who have experienced violence in their lives
• Child Witness Program - groups for children who have been exposed to violence and abuse in their home. Sessions involve both boys and girls and groups are organized by age.
• Individual teen counselling for youth ages 12-16 who are experiencing abuse or issues of past abuse including sexual abuse. All calls are confidential.
• Public Speaking and Education - Women's Resources offers speakers to church groups, schools, service clubs and other organizations or businesses who are interested in learning more about Women's Resources or issues related to women abuse.
• Vicky's Values - gently used clothing store provides affordable quality clothing and household items to the community.
• Volunteers - are the cornerstone of Women's Resources. We rely on their dedication and commitment to support the services we provide. If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer, please call 705-878-5938 or go to our website https://womensresources.ca/join/

In partnership with the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Service and Ontario Provincial Police, the Extrajudicial Measures assists youth through a pre-charge diversion program while holding them accountable for their actions.

In partnership with the City of Kawartha Lake's Youth Crown's Office and Youth Justice Committee, the Extrajudicial Sanctions assists youth through a diversion program as an alternative to the formal court process.

COVID19 Update: Court case backlog -- clients may experience difficulties contacting local offices and should leave a message with return phone number; VWAP staff will return voicemail as soon as possible

• Provides information and assistance to support participation in the criminal court process
• Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over

Offers:

• Case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
• Court preparation
• Needs assessment
• Emotional support
• Crisis intervention
• Referrals to community agencies

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund

Provides financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court, including:

• Travel arrangements and expenses
• Language interpretation
• Real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

Provide immediate emotional and practical support to victims of crime and tragic circumstances.

Seeks to empower victims and survivors of crime and tragic circumstances with emotional and/or practical support and resources to cope with the impact of victimization.

Early assistance and support available in-person or by telephone to victims of:

• Abduction
• Assault
• Attempt Murder
• Break and Enter
• Child Abuse
• Criminal Harassment
• Drowning
• Elder Abuse
• Residential Fires
• Hate Crime
• Human Trafficking
• Homicide
• Intimate Partner Violence
• Missing Persons
• Motor Vehicle Collision Fatalities
• Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images
• Sexual Assault (historical and current)
• Suicide
• Tragic Circumstances
• Voyeurism

and more.

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

COVID19 Update: Court case backlog -- clients may experience difficulties contacting local offices and should leave a message with return phone number; VWAP staff will return voicemail as soon as possible

• Provides information and assistance to support participation in the criminal court process
• Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over

Offers:

• Case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
• Court preparation
• Needs assessment
• Emotional support
• Crisis intervention
• Referrals to community agencies

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund

Provides financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court, including:

• Travel arrangements and expenses
• Language interpretation
• Real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

COVID19 Programs being offered at the main office in Cobourg and by phone for outlying areas.

Regular Service
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

The shelter offers temporary accommodations for women and their children who are seeking shelter from abusive relationships.

• Various forms of abuse are acknowledged (ie: physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, etc)
• Counselling is available to both women and children throughout their stay. Counsellors assist women to build connections with a variety of community services and resources
• Shelter services are available 24 hours a day
• A barrier free room is available to support women with physical challenges
• 24 hours crisis and support counselling is available to women in the community through the support line
• Cornerstone Connect: Text & Chat support for violence and abuse. Text (289) 210-4774 or Chat online at rc.chat/cornerstonefvpc. Mon-Sun 6 pm to 6 am
  • Visit cornerstonenorthumberland.ca/connect for more information

Safe, supportive place for children and youth to experience new opportunities, build positive relationships and develop confidence and skills for life

After School Programs

• program runs on school days for ages 4-12 yrs (varies by location) in community centres and school in Clarington, Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and Pickering
• variety of activities including homework club, crafts, computers, games and gym
• healthy snack each day after school

Aquatics Programs

• group, private and semi-private swimming lessons
• leadership programs
• Aquafit classes
• lane swim

Special Programs

• Oshawa locations offer a variety of evening and weekend programs for children ages 4-12

Youth Justice Committee (YJC)

• alternative to the court system, for young people 12-17 years who have been accused of minor non-violent offences
• a panel of trained community members volunteering to work with young offenders, their families, victims, the legal system and the community find appropriate, meaningful consequences for the young person

Youth Programs

• variety of youth programs offered at the Oshawa locations including free drop-in basketball for ages 13-18 years

Northview
150 Beatrice St E
Oshawa ON L1G 7T6
905-436-3311 ext 2871

Eastview
433 Eulalie Ave
Oshawa ON L1H 2C6
905-728-5121 x0

School Units

Ajax - Bolton C. Falby PS, Carruthers Creek PS, St James CS, Lincoln Avenue PS

Pickering - Glengrove PS

Whitby - St. John The Evangelist CS, EA Fairman PS, John Dryden PS

Oshawa - Harmony Heights PS, St. Thomas Aquinas CS

Bowmanville - John M. James PS

Newcastle - Diane Hamre Recreation Centre

COVID19 - call 905-743-2790 and leave message -- state the victim's name, the name of the accused person and clearly state a number the victim can be reached at, a worker will reach out as soon as possible, normally within one business day


Information and assistance to support participation in the criminal court process

• services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
• case-specific information (court dates, bail conditions)
• court preparation
• needs assessment
• emotional support
• crisis intervention
• referrals to community agencies

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

Information and emotional support for anyone who has experienced sexual violence or who needs information about sexual violence, services and community referrals

24hr Emergency Medical Services

• DV/SACC team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa available 24 hr medical emergencies for sexual assault and intimate partner violence victims

Sexual Assault

• male, female or transgender adult victims of sexual assault up to 12 days post assault, children under 16 years of age up to 7 days post-assault examination, treatment, evidence collection, safety planning, referrals, follow-up

Domestic Violence

• for intimate partner, adult male, female or transgender victims (do not need to have injuries) - documentation and photographs of injuries, safety planning, referrals, follow-up

Information and Counselling

• individual counselling for adult male or female victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence within the past year

COVID19 -- in-person services suspended * for women in Durham Region - providing service by phone 905-728-0978 ext 221 * individual consultations over the phone with Legal/Family Court Support Workers * free summary legal advice from family law lawyers available via phone or video conferencing * information and assistance with court documents * virtual legal information group sessions on a range of topics * for women outside of Durham Region - access a family law lawyer for free summary legal advice through Virtual Legal Clinic - to book an appointment, call 1-866-516-3116 ext.235, or email intake@LukesPlace.ca

Assist female abuse survivors and their children as they deal with family law issues

• individual information, support, guidance and referral on family law system
• group sessions offered including Early Information Sessions, Legal Information Workshops, Family Law Networking Groups
• access to extensive print and video resources
• weekly pro-bono summary advice clinic to receive lawyer's opinion based on facts of situation
• help with legal preparation and preparing for court
• consultation, education and training to the service community and general public

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

Support services to recent as well as historical or childhood survivors of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and childhood sexual abuse and their families

• 24/7 crisis and support line
• free and confidential service
• individual and group counselling - by phone and secure video (Zoom)
• police, legal, and medical accompaniment
• court advocacy
• public education
• volunteer opportunities and crisis line training

Wait time for individual counselling is currently 9-12 months ; once clients have completed an intake, clients are able to join groups via Zoom, including meditation, yoga, youth survivor's circle, and survivor's circle

COVID19 -- In person, video or phone sessions are available in response to client preference

Therapy, counselling for individuals, couples and families regardless of religious beliefs, and young parent support services:

• assist victims of family violence to obtain protection and safety
• group programs for abused women, children and teens exposed to violence
• parenting groups for young parents
• one on one parenting support and supportive counselling
• life skills and social groups for young parents
• couple and family therapy
• trauma counselling
• psychotherapy for mild to moderate mental health issues

Head office in Oshawa

Satellite office in Ajax
250 Bayly Street W, Unit 22
Ajax, ON L1S 3V4A

Member Agency of Catholic Charities, a Member Agency of Family Service Ontario, and a Member Agency of Ontario Young Parents Association

Specialized Human Trafficking Crisis Intervention counsellors help victims/survivors with

• case management
• safety planning
• navigation of services and bureaucracies
• application to Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) to assist with meeting basic needs, and expenses as a result of being trafficked (no direct reimbursement to clients, expenses paid directly by the program) such as counselling, treatment etc.

Support services are available to any self identified victims of crime, regardless of whether they have reported to police