Victim Services

Please note: We are currently not accepting applications for Volunteer Crisis Responders.

Being a victim of, or a witness to, a criminal event can be a very traumatic experience. The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Victim Services Unit believes that every victim or witness deserves compassion, support, and access to the services they need. Our highly trained staff and volunteers work with victims of crime and trauma. They do this through phone and on-scene intervention, emotional support, safety planning, and community program referrals.   

Programs and Services

In the unfortunate event that you have been the victim of crime or a traumatic event, it is important to know that the following programs are available to you.

Crisis Intervention

Our Victim Services Unit can provide support to individuals affected by crime and tragic circumstances that are victim-centred and culturally competent. Some of the services offered are:

• 24/7, on-scene crisis intervention (police referred);
• Needs assessment;
• Safety planning; and
• Referrals to counselling, community, and/or government support.

Sexual Assault Support

To help ensure that survivors of sexual violence are in control of the process, the Halton Regional Police Service has placed Victim Services as the first point of contact for survivors wishing to disclose sexual violence. 

Survivors first meet with a member of the Victim Services team either in person or over the phone to review the Sexual Assault Information Guide. This guide informs survivors of their options for reporting and provides them with accurate and up-to-date information about the investigative and criminal court processes. The guide also offers coping strategies, available financial support, and community resources.

This helps to ensure that all survivors receive the same level of support and care when they need it most.

Learn more from the Sexual Assault Information Guide.

Missing Person Resources

For information for family members and/or service providers/professionals who may be assisting families with a missing adult as well as interested members of the public, please see the Canadian Centre for Information on Missing Adults.

Mobile Tracking System

In partnership with the Intimate Partner Violence Unit, a GPS tracking device that acts as a personal alarm is provided to an individual who has been identified as at-risk of further violence. This short-term option acts as one component of a larger safety plan which:

• Places a priority on victim safety;
• Promotes an improved response to victims;
• Respects an individual victim's freedom; and
• Promotes a community-wide response to reduce intimate partner violence.

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)

Victims of violent crime may need additional resources or support. The Victim Quick Response Program+ supports victims by lessening the impact of an event while increasing the victim's safety. Victims of homicide, attempted murder, serious physical assault, intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and/or hate crimes may qualify for the program. Through this program, eligible victims with no other financial means may be able to access:

• Emergency expenses to secure premises to ensure immediate safety or emergency accommodations and meals;
• Transportation and dependent care costs for a family member who must identify a homicide victim or support a seriously injured victim of violent crime;
• Crime scene cleanup requiring specialized services;
• Funeral expenses to assist families of homicide victims; and
• Counselling to provide short-term, early intervention counselling to help victims of serious crime.

Facility Dog

A member of the Victim Services Unit, “Journey”, is an accredited Facility Dog through the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs. This female golden lab is available upon request for victims and survivors requiring enhanced support, whether as a result of a traumatic event or when speaking to police about a very sensitive or difficult situation. 

Recruitment

Volunteer Crisis Responders require compassion, problem-solving skills, the ability to work as a team member, and a desire to help people and make a difference.

Choosing to become a VSU volunteer is very different from any other type of volunteering. You:

• Will have the opportunity to make a truly impactful difference.
• Will have the opportunity and ability to foster hope and create healing opportunities through your kindness and compassion for people in their darkest hour.
• Will bear witness to pain and trauma that is often very difficult to experience; and
• Will be challenged both personally and professionally.

Applicants

Volunteering with the HRPS VSU is a minimum two-year commitment. It requires attending 70 hours of mandatory training, participating in monthly meetings, and a commitment to 24 hours on call each month.

Please note that applicants must be able to complete the following:

• Attend an orientation night held in the Community Room of Headquarters, located at 2485 North Service Road West, Oakville.

• If basic requirements are met, applicants will be invited to participate in an interview.

• Attend the mandatory training program. The dates and times for 2026 are listed here.

Additional Resources

Contact Information

For more information about our Victim Services Unit, volunteer opportunities, or any of the programs above, please contact:

Phone: 905-825-4777 ext. 5239

For confidential inquiries, contact: VictimServices@haltonpolice.ca.