Victims of Crime: Support for Victims
This is the final blog post in the victims of crime series. This post points you to helpful resources and links for agencies that support victims of crime in Waterloo Region.
The first three posts included:
- An introduction on victims of crime in Canada
- Roots causes and prevention
- Consequences and the aftermath for victims of crime
There are many agencies within Waterloo Region working to support victims of crime, as well as many provincial and national advocacy agencies working for victim’s rights. Services to support victims of crime can be found by contacting 211 Ontario or Victim Services of Waterloo Region. Many agencies offer counselling and other support.
A few things victims need are protection, information, to be heard and believed and to be treated with dignity. With the support of those close to them, victims are more likely to seek professional support. With professional support, victims are more likely to define their own needs in overcoming the situation or dealing with the trauma.
A few local resources:
Advocacy for Victims of Crime
Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime
Office for Victims of Crime
Victim Services of Waterloo Region
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
Victim/Witness Assistance Program
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Author: Tracie McGrath-Levis
Tracie McGrath-Levi is a completing a student placement with WRCPC and has contributed previous posts to Smart on Crime. In addition to completing her Bachelor of Social Work degree at Renison College, University of Waterloo, Tracie works full-time with the John Howard Society in Milton. In her role there Tracie works in court four days a week in an adult diversion program and in bail.