Searching for Victims Of Crime Support Programs

Emergency shelter, capacity 32

• counselling and referrals
• advocacy and follow up
• court and immigration escort
• children's program and counselling
• legal and housing assistance

Transitional Housing and Outreach Support Program (TH&O)
Community-based support in obtaining affordable housing, including counselling, assistance accessing food supports, outreach, workshops and speakers bureau

Crisis intervention and culturally sensitive counselling, support and referral * support for families and friends of survivors * support groups * information on alternatives to legal justice system * court support, accompaniment and advocacy program * research, public education, workshops * comprehensive volunteer training * all services confidential * trans-positive environment

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

Temporary pet safekeeping for those fleeing family violence or human trafficking

Organization working to end gender-based violence and human trafficking through advocacy and education

• access to referrals, resources, support, and safety planning information for survivors of gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and human trafficking
• training for service providers, educators and parents on recognizing and preventing sexual exploitation and human trafficking
• workshops and presentations for youth in schools, youth shelters and group homes to prevent gender-based violence, sexual exploitation or human trafficking in Canada -- focus on root causes and anti-oppression, trained trauma counsellor for on-site disclosures
• Gender-Based Violence Resource Centre and Human Trafficking Info Hub -- online resources for the prevention of gender-based violence/human trafficking

Victim Support Line -- information and referrals for victims of crime, to supports and services that are available in your community

Victim Notification System -- access to information on changes in release status of a provincially sentenced offender (less than 2 years)

• registration for automated notification of offender's status changes

COVID19 -- closed to all in-person services until further notice, go to Legal Advice Hotline -- 1-855-255-7256 Tue-Thu 12:30 pm-4 pm

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Free legal services for persons being sued or who are suing in civil courts or require help with problems in employment law, consumer law, corporate law (non-profits, newcomer entrepreneurs and small businesses) housing issues, and Powers of Attorney

• no family or criminal law, immigration or estate administration issues
• clinic located at Small Claims Court, 47 Sheppard Ave

Education -- legal services for children with education-related problems such as accommodating disabilities or exceptionalities, bullying, or discipline matters such as suspension or expulsion

Start-ups, non-profits and charities -- business law services, including incorporation, charitable status, corporate structure, intellectual property and contracts

Legal Advice Hotline, 1-855-255-7256, Tuesday-Thursday 12:30 pm-4 pm -- up to 30 minutes free legal advice and help drafting legal documents

Workplace Sexual Harassment Hotline, 1-855-776-1855, Monday-Friday 1 pm-6 pm -- free legal advice and assistance for victims of workplace sexual harassment in Ontario

COVID19 Telephone support line 1-833-900-1010 and online chat available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; for local services, visit website for Referral Directory; in an emergency call 911

Confidential, victim-centered phone line and online chat connecting victims and survivors with social services, local emergency services including law enforcement, and transition and long-term supports/services (also receives tips from the public)

Referral directory

• online directory of services
• online library of resources

Counselling and support provided by staff and trained volunteer grief facilitator teams, follow up group meetings, peer support, bridging telephone support, consultation and debriefing for professionals and community members affected by suicide or homicide

Community counselling, support groups for women and children, advocacy, accompaniment to legal services, assistance finding housing, and telephone contact

Violence prevention programs for girls, including tweens, teens and young women; contact for program details and registration information

ReelRealMen online 10 week program for male identified youth 14-18 years; safe space for male-facilitated discussions on gender based violence, healthy masculinity and relationships; contact for details on registration and schedule

COVID19 Services available by telephone, email or video conferencing, visit CWSS website for details

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Network of agencies serving women who are experiencing violence

• coordination of services, information and referrals and emergency and long term planning
• rotating clinics held at community hubs
  • Tuesday at East Scarborough Storefront, 4040 Lawrence Ave E
  • Wednesday at Dorset Park Hub, 1911 Kennedy Rd
  • Thursday at Centre for Immigrant and Community Services, 2330 Midland Ave

Partner agencies include Scarborough Women's Centre, Family Service Toronto, Tropicana Community Services, Legal Aid Ontario, Victim/Witness Assistance Program, Birkdale Residence, Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities, Toronto Employment and Social Services, MCIS Language Services and Toronto Police Service

COVID19 Contact or visit website for update on phone, virtual and in-person programs and services

Supportive community-based emergency and support services, includes shelter, crisis intervention, counselling, safety planning, and support group programs for women and their children

• information and referral
• accompaniment and advocacy
• assistance in obtaining services
• development of support networks
• outreach and home visit services provided in various community locations

Emergency shelter
Includes counselling, referrals, court and immigration escort, follow-up, and advocacy and assistance with housing, welfare, immigration, medical and legal services

• capacity 30
• children's programs

Transitional and Housing Support Program
Counselling, crisis intervention, safety planning, assistance obtaining affordable housing, and follow-up

Women and Communities Against Violence (WACAV)
Builds and strengthens linkages between under-serviced areas, supports service providers and shelters

COVID19 Call for intake, and information on in-person, phone, email and online services

Long-term transitional housing, including trauma counselling, basic needs and essential support to re-establish independence; also settlement services, and information and referral on legal aid, immigration, social assistance

• capacity 7

Case management and programming in partnership with Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto, see separate listing

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

COVID19 -- office closed for visits, staff working remotely, intake line open



Free confidential service for Ontario workers who have experienced harassment and/or sexual assault in the workplace * legal information and advice, referrals * community outreach

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

Independent, quasi-judicial agency is one of five tribunals in the Safety, Licensing Appeals and Standards Tribunals Ontario (SLASTO) cluster. Ontario Parole Board is responsible for provincial parole decision-making to balance the benefits of conditional release for the offender and society's right to be protected.

Welcomes input from and participation of victims of crime. Victims may:

• provide a written submission or attend the offender's parole hearing and give an oral statement
• provide information to a Board Case Officer who will ensure the Board members have the information before making a decision
• attend to observe a hearing

Victims may also call the Ontario Victim Support Line to get the support and information they need, as well as register.with the Victim Notification System (VNS) to receive automated voice messages by phone any time there is a change in the status of the offender

COVID19 -- Call main hospital switchboard or visit website to find updates to current screening and visiting policies


Pediatric acute care hospital

• dental clinic, physician referral required
• emergency department, see separate entry
• classroom for children with epilepsy in elementary school struggling with school or who learn differently from peers
• psychiatry

International Patient Office-- 416-813-7654 ext. 428917

• for children who need medical care not available in their own country
• Herbie Fund -- provides financial support for children from around the world requiring treatment not available in their own countries to receive surgical care at SickKids in Toronto

SCAN (Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect) Program-- 416-813-6275, Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm 416-813-7500 after hours - ask to be put through to the SCAN Team

• assessment of child abuse and neglect
• care and support for children and teenagers who may have been mistreated
• referrals for parents/guardians
• consultation for medical professionals and community workers regarding child abuse and neglect

Lotus Health -- Call or text 437-226-3579, responses within one business day; for urgent concerns call 416-813-7500 and request that SCAN be paged

• health and advocacy program for children and youth under the age of 18 years who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or may be at risk of experiencing commercial sexual exploitation or trafficking
• coordinated approach to care

Ontario Poison Centre -- see separate entry

SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health (formerly Hincks-Dellcrest Centre) -- see separate entries

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

• National Trauma Informed Care Program

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

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

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, including:

• home safety
• accommodation and meals
• transportation
• basic necessities
• dependent care costs
• counselling
• traditional Indigenous health services
• cellular phones
• vision and dental care
• aids for victims with disabilities
• interpretation services
• crime scene cleanup
• government/medical documents
• funeral expenses

Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes:

• storage locker
• tattoo removal
• treatment at 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

Immediate crisis response, intervention and safety services, on site and by telephone

High Risk Support Services
Case management for high risk victims of domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault, includes in-depth safety planning at client's residence or other location of her/his choice, short and long-term goals assessment, linking/referrals to community and government services, case coordination, advocacy and counselling, and assistance completing Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) applications

Enhanced Services
Case management and coordination, advocacy, links to community services, prevention, system navigation for vulnerable clients, online library

• Safety Planning Booklet available online in a variety of languages
• Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario and Victim Quick Response Program(see separate listing)

TEAR (Teens Ending Abusive Relationships), tear@victimservicestoronto.com
Violence prevention through education programs and workshops

• Youth Leadership Program recruitment and training to promote healthy relationships and raise awareness about abusive and harmful relationships
• #TEARtalk weekly Twitter chat run by TEAR Youth Leaders

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Trauma Dog Program
Certified trauma and handler team provide comfort to young victims of crime and sudden tragedy

• priority to children and youth
• available to clients of Victim Services Toronto

Volunteer Program
Recruits, trains and engages volunteers, opportunities include:

• Victim Crisis Response
• interpreting
• fundraising
• outreach

Volunteer and student placement application available online or email info@victimservicestoronto.com

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