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Victim Crisis Unit

We’re Asking Ottawa...

April 22-28 is National Victims of Crime Awareness Week. What does the abbreviation VWAP stand for?

a)    Victim/Witness Assistance Program
b)    Victims With A Purpose
c)    Victims Wanting A Change
d)    Victim/Witness Advice & Protection

The Right Answer: The right answer is A. VWAP stands for Victim/Witness Assistance Program. VWAP is a service which offers information, help, and support to both victims and witnesses of crime to help them understand and participate in the criminal court process. The Ottawa Police Service’s Victim Crisis Unit partners with VWAP, along with other victim assistance and support services.


The Ottawa Police Service Victim Crisis Unit is dedicated to providing crisis intervention and post trauma counseling to victims of crime and tragic circumstances.  Professional Crisis Counselors can provide crisis intervention, assessments, safety planning and referrals to appropriate community partners.  The Victim Crisis Unit works in partnership with Ottawa Victim Services. 

Ottawa Victim Services: is a community based agency that provides emotional support, practical assistance, referrals and advocacy to individuals who have been victimized as a result of a crime or tragic circumstance. Ottawa Victim Services uses trained, dedicated volunteers.  

If you are a victim needing assistance or information, contact the Ottawa Police Service Victim Crisis Unit:

  • by phone at 613-236-1222, extension 5822. This is not a 24 hour service.  You may be prompted to leave a message.  Someone will get back to you as quickly as possible. 

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