The Ontario government will dedicate $ 2 million to the Ontario Crisis Assistance Program (OCAP) to ensure victims of crime and their families have access to the services and supports they need .

The funding will provide immediate support to 46 VCAO organizations across the province, including one in North Bay, to help them meet the increased demand for frontline services.

Kathleen Jodouin, Executive Director of Victim Services for the District of Nipissing, is delighted with the announcement.

“Nipissing District Victim Services (VSND) provides immediate crisis response, emotional and practical support, access to resources and victim assistance to navigate systems in the days following an incident or tragedy. She told BayToday. “This funding ensures that VSND can continue to provide these essential front-line supports to victims so they can focus on their healing journey. This is a good first step and we look forward to continuing our work with the Ontario government to improve victim services.

“Crisis Intervention Services are the first point of contact for victims of crime,” said Jane McKenna, Associate Minister of Status of Women and Children. “This is a critical time for victims who seek safety to heal and rebuild their lives. This is why it is important to ensure that local frontline services for victims and survivors across the province have the tools they need to adequately meet their needs. “

The Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario program provides emergency response services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In addition to on-site crisis intervention, other services offered under the program include:

• Safety planning for all eligible victims of crime
• Referral to appropriate community supports and services
• Needs assessments and personalized service plans
• Assist eligible victims with Rapid Response Program requests +
• Reinforced support for vulnerable victims
• References to community agencies.

Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario is one of nine victim service programs recently transferred to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services of the Ministry of the Attorney General. While the same front-line service providers will continue to provide ongoing support, this change will promote a more coordinated approach to providing services to victims.

Ontario Crisis Assistance Program (OCAO) providers are located across the province and provide emergency response services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances 24 hours a day, seven days a week. days a week. To find the VCAO service provider nearest to you, visit the Online Victim Services Directory.