Searching for "Victims of Abuse Support Programs"

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)

Provides assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible 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
• funeral expenses

Additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes:

• storage locker
• tattoo removal
• treatment at a recovery facility

Note: No direct reimbursement to victims for above supports

Financial support also available for:

• victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime
• parents of child homicide victims
• spouses of homicide victims

• Offers culturally appropriate counselling services to Indigenous women by Indigenous women, via telephone, text, or chat

Offers services in 14 languages, including:

• Oji-Cree
• Cree
• Algonquin
• Inuktitut
• Mohawk
• Oneida
• Odawa
• Potawatomi
• Micmac
• Black Foot
• Anishnaabe
• Moose Cree
• Swampy Cree
• English

Assists community members with the following legal matters:

• Criminal Law if custody is probable
• Family Law
• Child Welfare

Note: Does not help with civil law, employment law, human rights, housing, or social assistance (contact a Community Legal Worker (CLW) for a referral)

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)

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 -- Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the family court system. Support provided includes:

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
• debriefing with clients following family court appearances
• 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.

Support individuals who have experienced abuse in intimate adult relationships in their journey towards healthy self-directed lives and respectful relationships.

A community based program funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services which provides individual and group counselling to enable women to become non-victims of physical or mental abuse. Participates in the Coalition to End Violence Against Women, which promotes and facilitates a coordinated community response to the abatement of violence against women.

* public education * intervention * treatment * follow-up * counselling * women's group

The Partner Assault Response Program in partnership with the Family Counselling Centre) * Funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General * for individuals who have been abusive to their partners and are committed to change * Individuals who are ordered by the court to attend the program in response to a criminal charge involving domestic violence * Sliding fee schedule for service

Neighbours, Friend and Families Campaign - raises awareness of the signs of woman abuse. Speakers are available, please contact the office.

A 10 week simultaneous support group program for children and their mothers who have experienced woman abuse in their families. Groups are offered throughout the region.

Distress Line Program

• Provides a free, confidential, 24-hour telephone distress line available 24/7/365.
• uses trained volunteers
• assist callers to solve their own problems
• information and referrals
• intervene in life-threatening situations
• extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
• suicide prevention and intervention workshops
• communication skills training

Text and Chat Program

• provides emotional support, crisis and suicide intervention through text or instant message for those individual who many not want to receive support face to face or speak over the phone.
• provides a free, confidential 12-hour online and text support between the hours of 2pm and 2am EST
• uses trained volunteers
• assist callers to solve their own problems
• information and referrals
• intervene in life-threatening situations
• extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
• suicide prevention and intervention workshops
• communication skills training

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
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Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario - 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 eligible incident, may include 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 reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
  
• Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims

Provides family members of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, Boys and 2SLGBTQI+ People access to confidential, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and victim-centered assistance

• Supports families by facilitating connections with culturally appropriate referrals and supports
• Facilitates the gathering of case-specific information about police investigations, coroner's reports/reviews, court proceedings or other government processes and provides information to family
• Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) staff members are of Indigenous ancestry, knowledgeable, culturally competent and responsive to the needs of the family members they serve

Note: If you don't live near an FILU location, call the Ontario Family Information Liaison Unit toll-free to arrange for FILU staff to travel to your location

Provides family members of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, Boys and 2SLGBTQI+ People access to confidential, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and victim-centered assistance

• Supports families by facilitating connections with culturally appropriate referrals and supports
• Facilitates the gathering of case-specific information about police investigations, coroner's reports/reviews, court proceedings or other government processes and provides information to family
• Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) staff members are of Indigenous ancestry, knowledgeable, culturally competent and responsive to the needs of the family members they serve

Note: If you don't live near an FILU location, call the Ontario Family Information Liaison Unit toll-free to arrange for FILU staff to travel to your location

Provides family members of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, Boys and 2SLGBTQI+ People access to confidential, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and victim-centered assistance

• Supports families by facilitating connections with culturally appropriate referrals and supports
• Facilitates the gathering of case-specific information about police investigations, coroner's reports/reviews, court proceedings or other government processes and provides information to family
• Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) staff members are of Indigenous ancestry, knowledgeable, culturally competent and responsive to the needs of the family members they serve

Note: If you don't live near an FILU location, call the Ontario Family Information Liaison Unit toll-free to arrange for FILU staff to travel to your location

Provides family members of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Men, Boys and 2SLGBTQI+ People access to confidential, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and victim-centered assistance

• Supports families by facilitating connections with culturally appropriate referrals and supports
• Facilitates the gathering of case-specific information about police investigations, coroner's reports/reviews, court proceedings or other government processes and provides information to family
• Family Information Liaison Unit (FILU) staff members are of Indigenous ancestry, knowledgeable, culturally competent and responsive to the needs of the family members they serve

Note: If you don't live near an FILU location, call the Ontario Family Information Liaison Unit toll-free to arrange for FILU staff to travel to your location

Independent administrative tribunal that has the power to grant, deny, revoke Parole or detain offenders

Provides information to crime victims and their families regarding:

• sentences
• eligibility for release
• review and National Parole Board hearings of federal offenders
• receives victim impact statements and updates

Independent administrative tribunal that has the power to grant, deny, revoke Parole or detain offenders

Provides information to crime victims and their families regarding:

• sentences
• eligibility for release
• review and National Parole Board hearings of federal offenders
• receives victim impact statements and updates

Counseling sessions will be provided via distance counseling. Open for new intakes and for all current clients. Information is regularly updated on their Facebook page.

Offers counselling for survivors of trauma and abuse

• provides short-term and long-term therapy
• specialized services and resources for child pornography and prostitution survivors, human trafficking
• Go to Meeting or telephone counselling available for clients who live in other areas or who cannot attend the office

Advocates for and supports shelters and transition houses by providing practical training, culturally appropriate resources and opportunities to network in a supportive environment

COVID-19 (21 Apr 2020): Staff is delivering services remotely. Métis who are in need of help accessing supports are urged to contact the MNO toll free at 1-800-263-4889 or email [email protected].

Culturally relevant victim services

• advocacy
• access to cultural supports and community groups and circles to support healing
• referrals to relevant community agencies and programs, and to psychiatrists
• development of a safety plan
• information on local shelters or safe housing options
• assistance with housing applications
• information and assistance regarding court processes and orientation, including the creation and delivery of Victim Impact Statements
• short-term peer support
• workshops on topics such as navigating victim services, identifying warning signs of abuse, court processes, child witnessing, etc

Victims support group

Services

• help to obtain needed services and resources
• help navigating criminal justice continuum
• deal with post-trial agencies (Correctional Service Canada and Parole Board of Canada) through representation, access to financial benefits/compensation programs
• obtain long-term emotional support
• national monthly Homicide Support Group (virtual, English only - for intake, please email at [email protected] or call at 1-877-232-2610)

Other services:

• advocating for victims' rights by presenting the interests and perspectives of victims of crime to government, at all levels
• provision of resource materials, media guides to crime victims and service providers
• online chat support is available through our website for information, support and resources
• support through text
• Free monthly newsletter, "EMPOWER"

Independent resource for victims

• facilitates access of victims to existing federal programs and services by providing them with information and referrals
• addresses complaints of victims about compliance with the provisions of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act that apply to victims of offenders under federal supervision and providing an independent resource for those victims
• enhances awareness among criminal justice personnel and policy makers of the needs and concerns of victims and the applicable laws that benefit victims of crime, including to promote the principles set out in the Canadian Statement of Basic Principles of Justice for Victims of Crime
• identifies emerging issues and exploring systemic issues that impact negatively on victims of crime

If you are a victim of crime, this organization can:

• answer your questions about your rights as a victim
• give you information about the services and programs available to you through the federal government
• receive and review your complaints about other federal government departments, agencies or policies
  refer you to programs and services in your city or province that may be able to help you
• make recommendations to the federal government on how to change its policies or laws to better suit the needs and concerns of victims, and to report on those recommendations publicly

The Centre offers legal information and referral services on a confidential basis:

• offering legal information and referral services
• offering public legal education presentations to its community partners

Services:

• free 30 minute meeting with a lawyer available to all - no eligibility criteria
• general explanations regarding all areas of law for federal and provincial law in Ontario
• referral service to specialized resources in the province
• help to determine the required legal forms and answer questions on procedure
• resources and tools to further help individuals
• service can be used more than once and is always free

The Centre does not provide legal advice or legal assistance, including applying the law to an individual's case, advising them on what steps to take and their chances of success as well as reviewing legal documents. The Centre is not a substitute for the services of a lawyer or a paralegal.

Services provided to victims of federally sentenced offenders (sentence of two years and over)

The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) recognizes that victims of crime have an important role to play in the criminal justice system. The Act gives victims an opportunity to participate in the federal corrections and conditional release process. It also entitles registered victims to request certain information about the offender who has harmed them, and to be informed about parole and correctional decisions concerning that offender.

Correctional Service of Canada does not automatically inform victims about an offender's case, nor can they solicit registrations. The law specifies that this information only be given upon request, as some victims prefer not to receive any further information about the offender. The request must clearly identify the offender.

You may assign an agent to receive information on your behalf. Offenders do not have the right to know that someone is receiving information about them.

Organization that works towards the elimination of oppression experienced by women

• advocates action through cooperation between networks
• adopts action based on a feminist analysis of the social and community situation
• promotes the development of resources for French-speaking women in Ontario
• develops cooperation and communication between the various networks
• offers legal services for Francophone women dealing with violence
• offers online and in-person training for the general public and interveners
• runs awareness campaigns on violence against women

Family Court Support Worker Program

Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the family court system.Support provided includes:

• information on the family court process
• assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid,
• debriefing with clients following family court appearances
• referral to specialized services and supports in the community
• safety planning
• court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate

Free legal advice for low-income people

• approximately 30 minutes per visit
• civil cases only, no family or criminal

Services provided for Superior Court and Small Claims Court cases:

• explanation of the claim process (how to start a claim, how to defend a claim, considerations a person should think about before starting a claim, enforcing a judgement, etc.)
• assisting clients in interpreting court rules
• identifying the court forms a person may need
• guiding clients in completing court forms
• providing tip sheets
• identifying strengths and weaknesses of cases
• offering the use of computers and software to help create court forms
• referrals to other legal services

Online clickable map that connects women with the nearest shelter

• provides the shelter's 24 hour phone number and/or website
• provides information on each shelter's pet policy, wheelchair accessibility, availability of children's programming

Information available on:

• creating a safety plan
• how to offer support
• signs of abuse
• list of things to bring when heading to a shelter
• list of emergency phone crisis lines