Victim Services of Haldimand/Norfolk/New Credit
Victim Services at a Glance
Core Program: Victim Services of Haldimand/Norfolk/New Credit
Partial Funding: Ministry of the Attorney General
Mobile crisis intervention by professional volunteer crisis workers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is an inclusive service that supports diverse range of victims and their families when their lives have been touched by crime or tragic circumstance. Primary referring agency is Police but may also be referred by fire, hospital, ambulance, and self referral.
We provide crisis intervention, practical help, emotional first aid, information about the criminal justice system, advocacy, referral support, safety planning, crime prevention strategies, and education. This service bridges many gaps and assists the victims through the criminal justice and social service system with an eye on seamless delivery of service and long term sustainability.
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Victim Quick Response Program
Partial Funding
The Victim Quick Response Program is a MAG initiative established to provide assistance to victims of crime in the immediate aftermath of violent crime; Homicide (including attempted murder); serious Physical Assault, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault or Hate Crime. To lessen the impact of violent crime through immediate safety of victims of violent crime. To review eligibility criteria and fill out an application.
Domestic Violence Emergency Response System
No Funding
In Kind: equipment and monitoring ADT
Domestic Violence Emergency Response System (DVERS) has been designed to
support individuals and families that are at risk of violence in their own homes. The primary client group is women and children who have left a domestic relationship and are at a medium-high risk of violence in their own homes. In special cases other occurrence types can also be considered such as home invasion, criminal harassment, or sexual assault. The victim wears a security pendant, around their neck, that when activated, summons an immediate response by police. There is a therapeutic relationship that is developed and maintained with the clients for up to a year and that is a huge factor in the success of the program, as is the multi-disciplinary team of service providers that share their expertise.
Elder Abuse Hotline
Funding: No Funding
Older adults make an important contribution to our community. Seniors deserve respect and the right to be safe from harm. Sometimes seniors are not treated with respect and the disrespect crosses the line into abuse. Victim Services offers the hotline and has partnered with the Senior Abuse Community Response Network, which is a multi-disciplinary review team to more effectively address elder abuse issues in our community. Victims of abuse have a right to the law’s protection and to services that support their independence and well-being.
Benevolent Fund
Funding: Church Donations
The objective of this fund is to provide a coordinated effort between service providers and the Ministerial groups to assist individuals struggling with issues of poverty, while addressing sustainability and accountability. Victim Services will address financial needs that exceed provincial funding mandates or maximums and coordinate with other social services to advocate for sustainable change. This service is clearly meant to be a “Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”.
Emergency Accommodation
Funding: Salvation Army Poverty Grant/Benevolent Fund
Volunteers endeavor to coordinate a one night stay for individuals and families who find themselves in need of emergency accommodation. The clients are followed up by Salvation Army Housing Advocate for longer-term housing solutions. The clients are referred mainly by Police.
Court Support/Victim Impact Statement
Funding: No funding
Victim who are currently navigating the judicial system often need support. This service is shared by VWAP and Women’s Services to ensure victims have the support and advocacy they need in the court room. Victims have an opportunity to submit a victim impact statement as a sentencing tool for court. This statement allows the victims to express the impact of the crime on their lives. Victim Services helps the victim to clarify and facilitate the composition of their statement for court.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing
Funding: No funding
Staff is trained in both the Mitchell Model and the NOVA Model of critical incident stress debriefing. The debriefing/defusing should occur after a critical incident for first responders, by-standers, secondary victims, and local industry.
Red Cross
Funding: No funding
VS Volunteers are Red Cross trained. In the event of an evacuation our volunteers are trained in shelter registration and inquiry, as well as shelter management. We also administer dollars to fire victims on behalf of Red Cross.