Programs
Our programs provide confidential, professional, and compassionate support to victims and survivors of crime. Services are offered in both English and French, and are designed to respond to the needs of individuals, families, and our community.
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (VCAO)
The Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (VCAO) Program provides compassionate, client-centered, and culturally responsive support to individuals affected by crime or traumatic events.
Program Goals
Deliver timely support and guidance—either in-person or remotely—to those affected by crime or crisis.
Help reduce the risk of further harm by addressing personal safety concerns.
Assist individuals in recognizing their needs and creating personalized plans to manage their circumstances.
Available Services
Immediate, hands-on support during a crisis
Comprehensive needs assessments
Connections to appropriate community and government resources
Guidance and assistance in applying for the Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Safety planning tailored to individual situations
Access to relevant information and resources
Ongoing emotional and practical support
Group sessions to support community healing
Follow-up services to ensure continuing care and connection
Victim Quick Response Program+
The Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) offers urgent financial and practical assistance to individuals in Ontario who have experienced violent crime and require immediate help that is not available through other means. The program is designed to ease the short-term impact of trauma, enhance victim safety, and provide critical support during the early stages following an incident.
Purpose of the Program
Offer rapid, short-term assistance in the wake of violent crimes
Help minimize the immediate effects of trauma
Improve the safety and well-being of victims following a crisis
Examples of Qualifying Incidents
Victims may be eligible for support through VQRP+ if they have been affected by incidents such as:
Attempted murder
Sexual assault
Intimate partner violence
Serious physical assault
Human trafficking
Homicide (support for immediate family members)
Criminal harassment (stalking)
Child abuse
Elder abuse
Hate-motivated crimes
Non-consensual sharing of intimate images
Historical child sexual abuse (eligible for counselling or traditional Indigenous healing services only)
Trauma Therapy Program
Following a criminal act or a tragic event, the mental health of those affected must be a priority. The Trauma Program was developed by Victim Services Prescott-Russell (SVPRVS) to provide a comprehensive, professional, and free response to individuals impacted by such events. SVPRVS’s trauma-focused program offers immediate support and emotional stabilization to victims during a time of extreme vulnerability—going beyond what the VCAO program can offer.
Through this collaborative partnership, SVPRVS is able to include a trauma-specialized therapist, allowing victims to access support more quickly and helping to reduce the severity and duration of their psychological suffering.
In addition to therapeutic services, the program also supports the prevention and education initiatives of the Committee against Human Trafficking in Prescott-Russell. Aware of the vulnerability of rural and semi-rural populations to exploitation, SVPRVS is committed to raising awareness, strengthening community response, and coordinating key actions to reduce the risk of victimization.
After-Hours Homelessness Support – Prescott-Russell
Our organization provides after-hours support for individuals experiencing homelessness in the Prescott-Russell region. This service is offered as part of a service agreement with the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR).
What We Do
We offer immediate assistance to those facing homelessness outside of regular business hours. Our team responds to urgent needs by connecting individuals with temporary shelter, transportation, basic necessities, and referrals to support services.
Our goal is to ensure that no one in Prescott-Russell is left without support during a housing crisis—regardless of the time of day.
Prevention and Awareness
SVPRVS is committed to preventing violence, supporting vulnerable populations, and promoting community resilience through ongoing education, outreach, and awareness initiatives.
Our Prevention and Awareness Programs aims to reduce the risk of victimization and strengthen community response to issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, human trafficking, cybersecurity and homelessness.
Community Involvement & Committees
SVPRVS actively participates in several regional committees and coalition to strengthen collaboration and improve system-level responses. These include partnerships focused on:
Prescott-Russell Committee Against Human Trafficking
- Suicide Prevention Coalition of Champlain East
- and others
By engaging in these committees, SVPRVS helps shape policies, share expertise, and advocate for better access to services for those affected by crime and crisis in Prescott-Russell. This collaboration ensures our prevention efforts are not only localized but also integrated into broader, multi-sector strategies.
24/7 Emergency Line for Emergency Services
SVPRVS operates a 24/7 emergency response line dedicated to assisting police, fire, and paramedic services across the region. This service ensures that trained crisis responders are available at any time—day or night—to support individuals impacted by crime, trauma, or sudden tragic events.
The 24/7 Emergency Line provide immediate, on-site or by-phone emotional and practical support to victims during critical incidents. Whether responding to a violent crime, sudden death, house fire, or traumatic situation, Victim Services responders work in close coordination with emergency services to help stabilize the situation and assist those affected.
In the aftermath of a crisis, victims often feel overwhelmed, disoriented, and unsure of what to do next. The 24/7 Emergency Line ensures that no one has to navigate those first critical hours alone. This service allows emergency services to focus on their primary roles, while trained responders provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to those in distress.
Hawkesbury Warming Centre
The Hawkesbury Warming Centre, located at 429 Abbott Street (in the former École Jean-Bosco), provides temporary overnight shelter and support during the harsh winter months for individuals experiencing homelessness in Prescott-Russell.
This seasonal initiative operates through a collaborative partnership between Victim Services Prescott-Russell (SVPRVS) and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), along with contributions from community organizations and volunteers.
Program Purpose
The Warming Centre offers a safe, warm, and welcoming environment during cold months, aiming to protect vulnerable individuals from the life-threatening risks associated with extreme temperatures. It is open nightly from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., typically from mid-November to mid-March.
What the Centre Provides
A warm and secure place to rest
Bathroom and hygiene supplies
Hot beverages and light food options
Access to basic essentials such as blankets, socks, and toiletries
Support from trained staff
Referrals to community services and longer-term housing supports
Impact
During the 2024–2025 season, the Centre accommodated an average of 2 to 3 guests per night, serving a total of 21 individuals over the winter months. The majority stayed for several nights, with some receiving help to transition toward more stable housing. In one notable case, a long-term guest successfully secured permanent accommodation before the season ended.
A Community Effort
This program represents more than just shelter—it reflects the community’s commitment to dignity, compassion, and collective action. The involvement of local groups such as the Hawkesbury Central Food Bank, which provided food, and support demonstrate the widespread support for this initiative.
By offering critical emergency shelter and promoting long-term solutions, the Hawkesbury Warming Centre plays a vital role in addressing rural homelessness and advocating for a more compassionate and inclusive community.
Unsure where to go or who to talk to? We’re here to help.
Contact us
(613) 632–5282
svsprescottrussell.ca