Our History - Service  Since 1993

Photo by Givaga/iStock / Getty Images

The idea behind the Victim Services concept came from the belief that people who had been victimized could benefit by getting help as early as possible after the crisis. The service was to be made readily available and offered to victims by emergency services workers, such as police, fire and health care professionals.

A police officer who had worked under this model in another area first introduced the service to Haldimand and Norfolk in 1991. He knew that a service such as this would be beneficial in our diverse rural communities. There are many obstacles that people face in our community when they are trying to obtain service after a traumatic event. From isolation, to transportation difficulties and communication barriers caused by services being offered in only certain parts of our region - the services can be hard to use - especially at a time when emotions run the highest.

Victim Services has been in operation since 1991, and funded since 1993. Our original staff has received nationally accredited designations as National Crisis Responder and National Crisis Advocate from National Office of Victim Assistance.  As learners for life they also have many additional specialties and certificates, as well as relevant degrees in the social service field.  Our crisis advocates are trained extensively in communication, crisis intervention, traumatic stress and victim's issues. Working in cooperation with the OPP, fire, and other emergency services within Haldimand County, Norfolk County, and Mississaugas Of The Credit First Nation Reserve, we support a diverse range of victims and their families. In the philosophy of a no wrong door policy, with a one step access at the community level, Victim Services administers the provision of services to victims, and facilitates many victim services programs. We provide education, information about the criminal justice system, crime prevention strategies, practical help, emotional first aid, advocacy and referrals. We take the leadership role, in developing partnerships, to build and maintain healthier communities.