Victim ServicesNiagara

About Us

With crime and tragedy come many losses; the loss of finances, property, personal safety, loss of life, of privacy and loss of control. There may be physical injury or pending harm. The most devastating of all losses is the emotional pain and distress that accompanies these unimaginable life situations.  When it does, victims are often overcome with grief, shock, sadness, fear and confusion.

In such circumstances Victim Services Niagara is there – caring, listening, supporting. Since 1998, referrals from front-line Emergency services allows us to connect victims with a support team of Crisis Responders to help deal with the impact of tragedy or crime.

Through immediate assistance and a variety of services, we:

• Help victims cope with the impact of crime and/or tragic circumstance.
• Educate about and promote victim assistance in the community.
• Assist victims in accessing appropriate support services in our community.
• Lessen the trauma of the victims.

VSN is a community-based, non-profit organization made up of over 100 dedicated volunteer crisis responders. Our work is shaped by the ongoing support from the residents of Niagara region, local businesses, non-profit organizations and our funders to ensure we have the capacity to continue our work.

Who do we help?

A victim is any person whose life has been affected by a criminal act, traumatic circumstance or disaster, regardless of severity.

Anyone can be affected by circumstances which can leave victims, families, and friends dealing with a crisis or tragic event. Victim Services Niagara crisis responders assist upon referral from emergency services and with the consent of the victim in a wide variety of situations including:

• Abduction/Missing Person
• Abuse of Elderly
• Assault
• Break and Enter
• Death Notification
• Domestic Violence
• Family Occurrence
• Fire
• Homicide 
• Human Trafficking
• Medical Crisis
• Motor Vehicle Collisions / Fatalities
• Property Crimes / Damage / Vandalism
• Robbery
• Sexual Assault
• Stalking / Criminal Harassment
• Sudden Death
• Suicide and Attempted Suicide

VSN can help:

• If your personal rights have been violated by criminal, violent or aggressive acts
• If your life has been affected by trauma, tragedy or disaster, If you are the family or friend of a personal who has been injured or killed by a criminal act or tragic circumstance
• If you have witnessed a violent or traumatic incident