Victim Crisis Response Programs
Victims’ rights are human rights.
Are you a victim of a crime or tragedy? Do you know someone who is suffering because they’ve been victimized? Victims may access service via self-referral, or referral from another service provider or individual.
We’re here for you. Our crisis telephone line never closes and is always live-answered.
Victims of crime and tragedy have a right to receive timely support services to help deal with the resulting grief, loss and trauma of that situation. VSSC is provincially mandated to deliver the following six programs to assist victims in moving from crisis to recovery.
VCAO provides early assistance and support, information and referrals to individuals affected by crime and tragic circumstances, either in-person or remotely. The program reduces the likelihood of further harm by helping a client identify and address safety issues. It also helps clients identify their needs and concerns, and develops strategies to address them.
VQRP+ supports direct victims, their immediate family members, and witnesses in the aftermath of violent crimes by providing short-term financial support with essential expenses in order to lessen the impact of the crime, enhance safety, and meet immediate practical needs arising from the commission of the crime. As a program of last resort, VQRP+ helps victims who lack the resources to meet these expenses on their own.
Victims of human trafficking are eligible for extended services. Applications for VQRP+-HT support must be submitted within one year from the date of the last trafficking incident.
Victims with disabilities and individuals who have been seriously injured as a result of a crime, are eligible to apply for a one-time contribution toward expenses/supports to assist with serious physical injuries resulting from the crime.
In addition to immediate crisis-intervention support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Homicide Survivor Support may provide parents of a homicide victim under age 25 years, or a spouse of a homicide victim, with one-time support to assist them in addressing their needs resulting from the loss of a loved one. Applications for homicide survivor support must be submitted within one year from the date of death, determination or charges laid in a homicide.
TCA assists with the costs of cleanup in the immediate aftermath of a suicide. This is a service of last resort for individuals who do not have the means to cover these expenses on their own.
FAQ
These questions are commonly received by our staff and volunteers.
Absolutely. Not every event requires police attendance. Sometimes individuals and groups are looking for information and support and have heard about Victim Services through a friend or colleague. If we cannot provide the information you need, we will direct you to the best possible source of help.
In our area, assistance with Victim Impact Statements is usually provided by the Victim Witness/Assistance program at the local court office.
Training usually happens twice per year in one or more of our service areas. To find out about an upcoming training session please contact us at 705-725-7025, ext. 2120.
It is important that every volunteer is able to listen fully to the victim. As such, it is necessary to be at a point in one’s life where things are stable and going well. That will help you be a non-judgmental and caring helper, able to work in partnership with another volunteer, and to commit yourself to the program and victims. You will never go on a call by yourself. Two crisis responders work together to help the victim identify priorities and choices.
No. This training is not required because volunteers do not administer First Aid on a VSSC call. If a victim needs medical support, volunteers are obligated to seek emergency help by calling 911.
Our crisis-response personnel, comprised of staff and volunteers, are highly trained to utilize some of the helping steps of the crisis-intervention model. This is a short-term approach that requires referral to other services for counselling and longer-term help, but we are glad that you felt comfortable with members of our exceptional team.
