Victim Support Unit
The Victim Support Unit (VSU) crisis counsellors work with both sworn officers and civilian members to make sure that the best supports and services are provided to victims/survivors of crime and tragic circumstances in a timely manner, through crisis intervention, assessment, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
Crisis counsellors will work with you to assess your needs by:
- Providing you with the information you need on services available to you and the criminal justice system process;
- Providing you with information on your risk and safety needs, including helping you to identify resources to develop an individual safety plan;
- Providing you with information on financial assistance that may be available to you; and
- Collaborating with community-based programs to connect you to longer-term supports and resources.
- Provide you with information on the possible impacts of trauma and information on coping and resiliency.
It is our goal that our support will reduce the impact of trauma and victimization and be delivered in a way that directly helps those impacted by violence.
The VSU can be accessed for on-scene supports by members of the Ottawa Police Service.
Victims/survivors, family members, and service providers can access our services by calling our intake line or emailing our victim crisis unit at [email protected]
The unit works in partnership with Ottawa Victim Services (OVS), a community-based non-profit organization that delivers on-scene response and follow-up services to victims/survivors of crime.
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For 24-hour crisis response please use the following crisis lines |
If you are in immediate danger or are aware of a crime in progress, please call 911. For non-emergencies please call our Police Reporting Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 7300 for help to make a police report over the phone. If you are uncertain as to which community support you should access, please visit the 211 directory or call 211 to be connected with a Certified Information and Referral Specialist who has been trained to assess your needs, answer your questions accurately, and advise you about the services and programs that are best for you and your loved ones. |
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Canadian Victims Bill of Rights |
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The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights establishes a set of principles to support victims of crime throughout the justice process. It requires that victims be treated with courtesy, compassion, and respect for their personal dignity and privacy. The act solidifies the importance that victims' rights be considered throughout the criminal justice system; that consideration of the rights of victims of crime is in the interest of the proper administration of justice; and that the federal, provincial and territorial governments share responsibility for criminal justice. The Victims' Bill of Rights also specifies that victims should have information about:
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Victim/Survivor Support Services
If you are a victim/survivor of crime, there are a number of services available to help you manage your safety, provide emotional support, as well as information on potential financial supports.
| Victim Support Line |
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If you are a Victim, you can register to receive specific information about adult offenders. The toll-free number for the Victim Support Line is 1-888-579-2888, or 416-314-2447 in the Toronto area. The automated notification system will provide victims with information on offenders serving their sentences.
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| Ottawa Victim Services |
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613-238-2762 Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) provides emotional support, practical assistance, referrals and advocacy to individuals who have been victimized as a result of a crime or tragic circumstance, without judgment in order to lessen the impact of victimization. OVS is a community-based agency committed to treating individuals with courtesy, compassion and with respect for their dignity, privacy and diversity. |
| Assaulted Women's Helpline |
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1-866-863-0511 The Assaulted Women's Helpline is a free, anonymous and confidential 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis telephone line to all women in the province of Ontario who have experienced any form of abuse. AWHL's team of trained counsellors provide crisis counselling, safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals accessible 7 days a week, 365 days a year. |
| Office for Victims of Crime |
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The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) is an independent advisory agency that provides advice to the Attorney General of Ontario on victims' issues. The OVC also produces a handbook called “Have You Been a Victim of Crime? What's next…Information and Resources for Victims of Crime in Ontario.” This handbook is produced for victims of crime and the people who support them. It includes information about victims' rights, places to go for help, and the criminal justice system. This information will help victims understand what to expect and how to ensure their rights are respected. You can access this link to get a copy of the handbook. |
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CAVACS Gatineau |
| Crime Victims Assistance Centres, or CAVACs, offer front-line services to any crime victim or witness. Help from CAVACs is available whether the perpetrator of the crime has been identified, apprehended, prosecuted or convicted. |
| Financial Services |
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The Ottawa Police Service Victim Support Unit can assist with connecting victims of crime to the Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP) Provincial program which provides eligible victims with emergency funds for certain expenses immediately following a violent crime. The Victim Quick Response Program provides short-term financial support toward essential expenses for victims, their immediate family members and witnesses in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime to help reduce the impact of the crime, enhance safety and meet immediate practical needs that are a result of the crime. VQRP+ is available to individuals who have no other financial means (e.g. private insurance) where there is no publicly-funded program available. The program is also accessible through Ottawa Victims Services at 613-238-2762.
Parents of Murdered or Missing Children – Income Support Grant The death or disappearance of a child is devastating and can leave parents unable to work. Parents or legal guardians who have taken time away from work and suffered a loss of income to cope with the murder or disappearance of their child or children may be eligible for federal income support. Toll-free: 1-800-622-6232 TTY: 1-800-926-9105 |
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Court Support Services |
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The Victim/Witness Assistance Program Ottawa Courthouse, 161 Elgin St Fourth Floor, Ottawa | 613-239-1229 If you are a victim or witness of a violent crime, it is likely that you will need to go to court. This can be a difficult and confusing experience and you may have a lot of questions about the criminal court system, and what will be expected of you. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program (V/WAP) is a service provided on a priority basis to victims and witnesses of violent crimes, vulnerable victims such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, elder abuse, homicide and hate crimes. The services begin once police have laid charges and will continue until the court case is over. In addition, victims with special needs families of victims of homicide families of victims of traffic fatalities resulting in criminal charges. Child and Youth Witness Support Program The Child Victim/Witness Program offers support and services to child victims and witnesses during the criminal court process. This program provides support to children and youth (and their families) who are required to provide testimony in criminal court. Services include:
More information: To access child and youth witness support services or if you would like more information, please the Support Worker by telephone at 613-233-8478 or by TTY at 613-233 1866. |
Federal Services
The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) wants to make sure that victims of crime are treated with fairness and respect. Dedicated Victim Services Officers (VSO) are available to provide victims with information about CSC and the offender who harmed them.
Toll-free: 1-866-806-2275
E-mail: [email protected]
Safety Resources
There are a number of services available in the Ottawa region for you to access for additional resources and support.
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Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre |
| The Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (ORCC) supports and empowers trans and cis women, trans men, two-spirit, gender-fluid, and non-binary survivors. |
| Sexual Assault Support Centre |
| The Sexual Assault Support Centre provides survivor-directed support services by womyn, to womyn who have experienced sexual violence. We strive to increase public awareness and offer training on the issues and effects of violence against womyn. |
| Voice Found |
| Voice Found provides support and services to persons who have been sex trafficked or wish to exit the sex trade in Eastern Ontario. |
| Western Community resource Centre Violence Against Women Program |
| The VAW Counselling Program at the Western Community Resource Centre Violence Against Women Program provides individual and group counselling to women aged 16 years or older who identify themselves as having been sexually, physically or emotionally abused by their partners or significant others (could be caregiver or other immediate family/household member). Services are delivered in person or over the phone. |
| Eastern Ottawa Community Resource Centre Violence Against Women Program |
| The Eastern Ottawa Community Resource Centre Violence Against Women Program offers services to women and children whose lives have been affected by abuse. This program is available to women and children residing in Ottawa and Renfrew County and is free, bilingual and confidential. |
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Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus |
| For emergency medical services within six months of sexual assault and/or intimate partner abuse. The Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus includes services for people who have suffered sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence or intimate partner violence within the past six months. 24 hour emergency medical response is available on site at the Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus at 1053 Carling Avenue, emergency department. Outpatient services are accessible by self-referral, referral by health professional and/or our community partners. Call 613-798-5555 x 13770 to book an appointment. |
| Minwaashin Lodge ~ 613-741-5590 |
| Minwaashin Lodge provides a range of programs and services to First Nations, Inuit and Métis women and children (regardless of status) who are survivors of domestic and other forms of violence, and who may also be suffering the effects of the residential school system. All programs and services are provided in the context of cultural beliefs and values to ensure a holistic approach is used as part of the healing journey. |
| Tungasuvvingat Inuit |
| Tungasuvvingat Inuit is an Inuit-specific service provider that provides social support, cultural activities, counselling and crisis intervention as a one-stop resource centre to meet the rapidly growing, complex and evolving needs of Inuit. Counsellors and advocates support women aged 16 and over, and their children who are involved with CAS and/or affected by violence. |
| Immigrant Women's Services |
| Immigrant Women's Services empowers immigrant and visible minority women in the City of Ottawa to participate in the elimination of all forms of abuse against women. To provide a culturally responsive crisis counselling service and a language interpretation service which will facilitate an abused woman's access to community and mainstream services. To provide other services and/or programs that will assist immigrant women in their journey to attain their full potential. |
| CALACS |
| Le CALACS francophone d'Ottawa est un organisme féministe, géré et opéré par et pour les femmes. Dans ses revendications pour la justice sociale, il dénonce les agressions à caractère sexuel et lutte pour l'égalité et les droits des femmes. Il offre une multitude de services aux femmes survivantes et il s'engage activement à la prévention et la sensibilisation dans la communauté |
| Neighbours, Friends and Families |
| If you are experiencing abuse from an intimate partner, the Neighbours, Friends and Families provides information and describes steps you can take to protect your safety and the safety of your children, as well as how to develop a plan to leave. |
| Home Security Inspection |
| At your request, police representatives visit your home (house, condo, apartment, etc.) to provide a safety audit - assessing ways to make your home safer. The audit is based on a checklist, and participants are provided with a booklet that identifies safety improvements, provides crime prevention tips and promotes other crime prevention initiatives offered by the Police Service. |
| Ottawa Coalition to End Violence: Online safety tips |
| Tech Without Violence focuses on working towards improving the lives of young women and girls, in particular, by creating a strategy, in partnership with the Youth Service Bureau of Ottawa's Purple Sisters Youth Advisory Committee, that can help transform digital spaces to be empowering and challenge and eliminate instances of cyberviolence. |
| Shelter Safe |
| Shelter Safe finds shelters in Ontario serving women fleeing intimate partner violence. |
Community Resources
Walk in Counselling Clinic: No referral is required for the Walk-In Counselling Clinic. You will be assisted, with no appointment, on a first-come, first-served basis during our Walk-In Counselling Clinic hours. The Walk-in Counselling Clinic offers counselling services in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Somali, Cantonese and Mandarin at a variety of different locations. Clinic hours are available at different locations throughout the week, including evenings and weekends. Please see the link below to access the clinic locations and operating hours.
Counselling Connect (For residents of Ottawa and the surrounding area): Counselling Connect provides free access to a same-day or next-day phone or video counselling session. This service is for children, youth, adults and families in Ottawa and the surrounding area. There is no waiting list.
Find Your Community Health and Resource Centre: The CHRCs offer a wide range of programs and services that serve the needs of the community.
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National and Provincial Resources |
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| Sudden Death Resources |
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K9 West Facility Dog
The Victim Support Unit is fortunate to have K9 West as a member of the unit. West is a trained accredited facility dog who is part of our canine assisted intervention program (CAI). Trained by National Service Dogs, K9 West is a member of the Ottawa Police Service whose sole mission is to help support victims and witnesses of crime and trauma. CAI dogs enhance the quality of support provided to those who have witnessed or been victimized by crime and or trauma. West was chosen to be part of the CAI Program and was specifically selected for the Ottawa Police due to his tranquil demeanor and ability to remain calm.
K9 West provides support to victims, witnesses and Ottawa Police Service members in the following ways:
- act as a tool for those who struggle to communicate,
- provide a healthy and positive distraction to upsetting matters
- provide the physical comfort of a cathartic touch that a victim may need
- reduce the blood pressure of victims and witnesses
- provide an overall calming influence on those who may be highly agitated or highly emotional
- act as a goodwill ambassador for the Ottawa Police Service.
Situations that K9 West has been utilized to support victims, witnesses and members of the Ottawa Police service with:
- child interviews for sexual or physical abuse;
- assisting child witnesses to traumatic events;
- domestic violence victim interviews;
- assisting victims of elder abuse;
- assisting victims encountered by the Vulnerable Sector Unit;
- assisting witnesses to traumatic events, including in homicide and sudden death investigations;
- critical incident stress debriefings;
- police ambassador at various community events.
K9 West is here to support you when you need to speak to the police or a crisis counselor. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. For more information about K9West and how you can request him for support during an interview please the Victim Support Unit at 613-236-1222, extension 2223 or email [email protected].