Ontario Network of Victim Service Providers

Yesterday in the Ontario Legislature MPP Michael Mantha Algoma-Manitoulin introduced Bill 298 An Act to proclaim Abuse Prevention Week and establish an Abuse Prevention Framework Advisory Committee https://bit.ly/3v6ls9Y

Victim Services of Leeds and Grenville launches survey to design its new community-based program to provide long term healing opportunities for #victims & #surviviors of #humantrafficking - Thanks again to Minister Jill Dunlop for supporting this project: bit.ly/3wkBvkD

Doug Ford expected to unveil Ontario’s pandemic reopening plan today: https://bit.ly/3bGi0uR

ICYMI: Ontario's Attorney General Doug Downey announced on May 1st that the government has expanded the Independent Legal Advice Program has been expanded and now provides up to 4 hours of free confidential legal advice to victims of sexual assault across Ontario. More info, visit: https://bit.ly/3hHQMI2 #sexualassault #SAAM #SAPM2021 #survivor

'How you drive is everyone's business,' OPP warn: From May 18-24, it's Canada Road Safety Week; OPP say 'staggering' number of innocent people killed each year on roads due to dangerous, careless driving

Our greatest thank you will always be to the amazing victim service volunteers at member sites across Ontario. These comprehensively trained volunteers are an integral and valuable part of our team. Thank you for your continued dedication, generosity, and selflessness in helping victims in your communities. ONVSP members recruit volunteers from within their local community, and is always seeking compassionate and dependable individuals ready to make a positive impact, to help people when they need it most. Contact your local victim service provider if you are interested in volunteering: https://www.victimservicesontario.ca/locations-1 https://bit.ly/2UHMmo7

This afternoon at 1:00 p.m. the Office of the Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime will host a virtual launch of Ombudman Heidi Illingworth's review of the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights. Register now to watch the launch: https://bit.ly/3fA2fXg #VictimsWeek #victimrights #knowyourrights

ONVSP and its members continue to recognize the courage of victims to seek help and support. We encourage any victim of crime or trauma to reach out. You are not alone. There is a network of people across Ontario ready to listen and provide you with practical and emotional supports: https://bit.ly/3nQl3o8 #victimsweek #EmpoweringResilience

During National Victims and Survivors of Crime Week, which runs Sunday, Nov. 22 through Saturday, Nov. 28, ONVSP members such as Chatham-Kent Victim Services, will be recognizing the courage of survivors as well as the unique healing process. https://bit.ly/3nDSrOy

Rhonelle Bruder, a survivor of #humantrafficking, has launched Project i RISE, a non-for-profit initiative that provides #victims with innovative skills-based training, education and the removal of branding tattoos: https://bit.ly/2UujLlX

Did you know that Victim Services accepts new and used, donated cell phones to support victims and vulnerable people within their communities? If a landline or cell phone is damaged by an abuser, a 911 cell phone may be a victim's only way to seek help. The 911 cell phone program is designed to support a victims' safety plan and to lessen re-victimization, by providing an additional device to contact police in an emergency. The Huntsville OPP Detachment will be collecting cell phones, which will directly benefit the Muskoka Victim Services (MVS) - https://bit.ly/3706GXp - For more information, contact MVS. If you live outside that area, contact your local victim service provider for more details or to donate a phone to the Victim Service Phone Safety Program (https://bit.ly/3nQl3o8)

We appreciate the sacrifice and bravery of all the police officers who work to keep us safe. On behalf of its members, the ONVSP extends its deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and friends of Provincial Constable Marc Hovingh. During this difficult time please know that if you need support following this tragedy please do not hesitate to reach out to Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services and Sudbury & Area Victim Services / Services aux victimes du Grand Sudbury

Pandemic or not, ONVSP's 44 members across Ontario are still available to provide support! These victim service specialists do not operate only as a referral service, but provide practical and emotional supports. Using their expertise and frontline experience, these specialists helps navigate the vast network of programs and services, and provide supports such as, 24/7 mobile crisis support, individualized in-depth safety planning, providing basic living needs (shelter, cloth...ing, toiletries, food), and they are the only agency that can provide access to immediate financial support. If you need help, please reach out to your local victim service provider: https://www.victimservicesontario.ca/locations-1 #VictimServices #domesticabuse #domesticviolence #sexualassault #humantrafficking #elderabuse #safetyplanning #crisissupport

Exciting news from Victim Services of Waterloo Region and Victim Services Wellington - they have partnered with Waterloo Regional Police Service, the Guelph Police Service and the Waterloo Region Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre to launch the Waterloo-Guelph #HumanTrafficking team and will work to offer wraparound services to #victims and #survivors of human trafficking throughout #Guelph, #Wellington and #Waterloo Region. Read more about this initiative here: https://bit.ly/3pbNoa3

Remembering today the courageous veterans who sacrificed so much as they fought for our freedom. Let us honour all those who served, the many who have given their lives, and thank those who continue to serve our country. #RemembranceDay #LestWeForget