Ontario has a network of victim services designed to support people affected by crime, whether or not they choose to report to police or participate in a criminal case. This page gives a general overview of some of the more commonly discussed programs, including court-based support, emergency financial assistance, and general information lines. Program names, eligibility rules, and contact details can change, so this page is general information only, and anyone seeking specific help should confirm current details directly with the program in question.
These services are separate from, and generally do not require, hiring a lawyer, and most are free to access. They exist to support victims and witnesses, not to represent either side in a criminal case.
Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP)
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program, generally referred to as VWAP, is a court-based program offered through Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General in court districts across the province. VWAP is generally described as providing information, assistance, and support to victims and witnesses of crime so they can better understand and participate in the criminal court process. It is generally described as prioritizing the most vulnerable victims and witnesses of violent crime, such as cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, homicide, and hate crimes, though this can vary by court location.
A VWAP worker can generally help explain court processes, assist with preparing for court, connect a victim or witness with the Crown attorney's office, and provide referrals to other community resources. VWAP is generally described as a free, voluntary program, meaning participation is a choice. For more on how this connects to the experience of testifying, see our page on testifying in court as a victim or witness.
Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP)
The Victim Quick Response Program, generally referred to as VQRP or VQRP+, is generally described as a program that provides short-term, emergency financial assistance to victims of violent crime in Ontario in the immediate aftermath of an incident. It is generally administered through local victim services organizations rather than a single central office, and it is generally described as a program of last resort, meaning other available financial supports are generally expected to be explored first.
The types of expenses this kind of program is generally described as covering can include things like emergency accommodation, transportation, changing locks or other home-safety measures, and similar immediate needs connected to a violent crime. Because eligibility criteria, covered expenses, and application processes can vary and change over time, anyone considering applying should confirm current details directly with a local victim services organization rather than relying on general descriptions like this one.
Victim Support Line
The Victim Support Line is generally described as a toll-free, multilingual information and referral line operated by Ontario's Ministry of the Attorney General. It is generally described as available for general information about victim services, the criminal justice system, and, in some circumstances, information relevant to victims connected to specific cases, such as parole-related matters. It is generally intended as a starting point to help someone find more specific, local support rather than as a program that itself provides direct financial or court-based assistance.
Because a line like this can be reached under different numbers depending on region, and details can change, confirming the current number through an official Ontario government source or a general web search before calling is generally the more reliable approach.
Program names, eligibility criteria, and contact details described on this page are general and can change. Always confirm current information directly with the program, a local victim services organization, or an official Ontario government source before relying on it.
Local and Community-Based Victim Services
Beyond province-wide programs, many communities in Ontario have local victim services agencies, sexual assault centres, and shelters that provide counselling, crisis support, safety planning, and referrals. These organizations often work alongside VWAP and VQRP, and some directly administer VQRP funding for victims in their area. Local agencies can generally be found through a provincial services directory, a general web search, or by asking a victim services worker, police, or the Crown's office for a referral.
For safety-related concerns, particularly in the context of domestic or intimate-partner violence, see our page on safety planning, which discusses general resources and practical considerations in more depth.
Who Can Use These Services
Victim services are generally described as being available to victims of crime and, in many cases, to witnesses as well, regardless of whether a report has been made to police or whether a case is proceeding through the courts. Use of these services generally does not require having a lawyer, and reaching out does not commit a person to reporting a crime or participating in a prosecution if they later decide not to.
Some programs are specifically geared toward victims of violent crime, while others, such as general information lines, are described as more broadly available. Because eligibility can vary by program, confirming with the specific organization is generally the best way to know whether a particular service applies to your situation.
Support for Family Members and Children
Many victim services programs extend support to family members and loved ones of a victim, not only the person directly affected by an offence. Cases involving child victims or witnesses generally involve additional considerations, and victim services organizations often have staff with specific experience supporting children and their families through an investigation or court process.
Parents or guardians supporting a child through this process are generally encouraged to reach out to victim services early, since specialized support can make a meaningful difference in how a child experiences the process.
How to Find Services in Your Area
Because Ontario's victim services are delivered through a mix of provincial programs and local agencies, the most reliable way to find current, accurate information is generally to search an official Ontario government victim services page or directory, contact the Victim Support Line for a referral, or ask the Crown's office or a VWAP worker connected to a specific case. If you are involved in a court case, the courthouse handling the matter can generally also point you toward the VWAP office serving that location. See also our page on staying informed about a case for how these contacts can help once a matter is before the courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report to police to use victim services?
Generally, no. Most victim services are described as being available regardless of whether a report has been made to police.
Is VWAP the same as having a lawyer?
No. VWAP is generally described as a support and information service connected to the courthouse, not legal representation. A victim or witness with legal questions of their own may still need to speak with a lawyer separately.
What kind of financial help can VQRP provide?
VQRP is generally described as providing short-term, emergency financial assistance connected to a violent crime, such as help with immediate safety or accommodation needs. Exact coverage and eligibility should be confirmed with a local victim services organization.
Are victim services free?
The programs described on this page are generally described as free to victims and witnesses, though it is always worth confirming with the specific organization.
Can witnesses use these services, or only victims?
Many programs, including VWAP, are generally described as supporting both victims and witnesses, though the specific focus can vary by program.
How do I find the victim services program in my area?
An official Ontario government victim services directory, the Victim Support Line, or the Crown's office or courthouse connected to a specific case are generally good starting points.