Victim Services

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 where 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-centered 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, or government support.

Sexual Assault Support

To help ensure that survivors of sexual violence are in control of the process, the Halton Regional Police 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 process.  The guide also provides 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 both family members and 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 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, 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 golden lab is available upon request for victims and survivors requiring enhanced support, whether that is a result of a traumatic event or, when speaking to police about a very sensitive or difficult situation.    

Recruitment

Recruitment for Victim Service Volunteers has now closed. Please check back in the spring for the next volunteer intake.

Volunteering with the HRPS VSU requires a 2-year commitment, attendance of 70 hours of mandatory training, participation in monthly meetings and a commitment to 24 hours on call each month.

As a VSU, you will need compassion, problem-solving skills, the ability to work as a team member and must have 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.

Additional Resources

Contact Information

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

Phone: 905-825-4777 ext. 5239
Fax: 905-825-1205

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