Pandemic or Not, Victim Services is Still Here to Help

You are not alone, support is available, give us a call

Nov. 20, 2020 – Since the onset of COVID-19, members of the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers (ONVSP) have seen an increase in domestic violence and sexual assault calls. And with a second wave becoming increasingly turbulent, so do the lives of vulnerable persons. As such, ONVSP wants to let victims know that during the health emergency support is available, they do not need to remain in a dangerous situation.
Across Ontario there are 44 ONVSP member agencies, where staff continue to work 24/7 to ensure victims receive the vital and immediate supports they need; some modifications have been put in place to protect everyone’s health and safety. As we mark National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, which has been rescheduled from late May to November 22-28 due to COVID-19, ONVSP would like to raise awareness of the services its members offer to help victims and their families.
Located primarily within municipal or provincial police detachments, ONVSP members are unique in that: they are the only agencies that provide 24/7 mobile crisis support; and, they provide support to victims experiencing a wide range of complex situations and trauma related issues, including but not limited to: gender-based violence, human trafficking, elder abuse, homicides, fraud, natural disasters, fatalities, etc.
ONVSP members ensure victims are informed, considered, protected, and supported throughout their journey, from time of crime through any experiences with the criminal justice system, and over the long-term. Members do not operate only as a referral service to community supports but provide immediate emotional and practical supports. Each agency offers various services and programs throughout its catchment area, including, but not limited to:
o individualized in-depth safety planning
o hiding them while a treatment plan is arranged
o provide for basic living needs – shelter, clothing, toiletries, food
o accessing immediate financial support
o quickly build a therapeutic rapport that facilitates open communication
o help with anticipatory guidance should they report to police and charges laid
o assist them to meet treatment requirements – replacement of government documents to be able to access treatment services and be issued any necessary medication, etc.
o non-judgemental acceptance should they run for a period of time
o transportation to safe accommodations and for medical appointments, treatments/services
“It can be distressing not knowing what services are available and how they are operating during these unprecedented times,” said Sheri MacDonald, President of the ONVSP. “But no one needs to feel alone. Please reach out for help. Victim services staff are available by phone and e-mail, and are still working with their police partners, who can dispatch team members during an emergency any time of day.”
The ONVSP encourages anyone who feels unsafe to reach out to their local victim services. If your life is in danger, to contact police or phone 911.
• For further information: [email protected] or [email protected]
• Related links: https://www.victimservicesontario.ca/locations-1
• Follow us: Facebook and Twitter @ONVSP
About the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers Since 1987, the Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers (ONVSP) has been promoting awareness and raising the profile of its membership of not-for-profit community-based victim service agencies across the province. As a coalition of member agencies that support and collaborate with each other, ONVSP leverages its members' professional skills and collective knowledge in order to preserve, promote and create more meaningful and supportive experiences for victims in Ontario.
ONVSP Members

Central Region
• Victim Services of Durham Region
• Kawartha-Haliburton Victim Services
• Muskoka Victim Services
• North Simcoe Victim Crisis Services
• Victim Services of Peterborough & Northumberland

Central West Region

• Victim Services of Brant
• Caledon/Dufferin Victim Services
• Victim Services of Haldimand, Norfolk, New Credit
• Victim Services Niagara
• Victim Services Peel
• Victim Services Waterloo
• Victim Services Wellington

Eastern Region
• Victim Services of Hastings, Prince Edward, Lennox & Addington
• Victim Services of Kingston & Frontenac
• Victim Services Lanark County
• Victim Services of Leeds & Grenville
• Ottawa Victim Services
• Service aux Victimes Prescott-Russell
• Victim Services of Renfrew County
• Victim Services of Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry & Akwesasne

North East Region
• Victim Services of Algoma
• Cochrane-Smooth Rock Falls Victim Services
• Kapuskasing-Hearst Victim Services
• Manitoulin-North Shore Victim Services
• Victim Services of Nipissing District
• District of Parry Sound Victim Services
• Sudbury & Area Victim Services
• Victim Services of Temiskaming & District
• Timmins & District Victim Services

North West Region
• Ah-shawah-bin Sioux Lookout /Lac Seul Victim Services
• Greenstone Victim Services
• Rainy River District Victim Services
• Sunset Area Victim Crisis Assistance
• Superior North Victim Services
• Thunder Bay & Area Victim Services
• Wawa & Area Victim Services

Western Region
• Victim Services of Bruce Grey Perth
• Chatham-Kent Victim Services
• Victim Services Elgin
• Victim Services of Huron County
• Victim Services of Middlesex-London
• Oxford County Victim Services
• Victim Services of Sarnia-Lambton
• Windsor & Essex County Victim Services