Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who should be referred to VS-LC?

2. How do I access VS-LC services?

3. When should VS-LC be called?

4. Where can I find other services for victims and their families?

5. How do I know I can trust VS-LC volunteers and staff?

Who should be referred to VS-LC?

1.        All Victims, primary, secondary and the supporting family or friends.  Victims span far beyond the casualty.  Emergency, Police and Fire Services tend to casualties at a scene, VS-LC Responders tend to the victims at the scene.

2.         Anyone who has experienced a recent trauma (an extremely distressing experience that causes severe emotional shock and may have long-lasting psychological effects).  It is a known fact that early intervention can minimize the long term affects of trauma.

3.       Secondary Victims…those that will be supporting the Victim through the days following the event.

4.       In many cases casualties are referred to as Victims. 

How do I access VS-LC services?

1. On-scene (or in a safe place designated by Police and the Victim) 24/7/365 --  Police call their communications centre or dispatch (private pager number)  to initiate the VS-LC  Responder Team to respond to Victims.

2. Victims can call the office at 1-800-575-0067 or 613-284-8380 between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Thursday and 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Friday.

3. Victims and/or Victim supporters can drop by the office at 91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, Ontario

4. Access the information on the Website or email lanarkvcars@bellnet.ca

Back to Top

When should VS-LC be called ?

1. As soon as the Trauma occurs and the Victim and their supporters are in a safe place to meet with the Crisis Responders.

2. Community Partners will also help you contact us, just ask.

Back to Top

Where can I find other services for victims and their families ?

1. VQRP is a pilot project launched by the Ministry of the Attorney General to help Victims with emergency expenses directly resulting from crime.  See the VQRP Quick Reference Guide or contact us directly for more information.

2. Victims can also access additional services by contacting anyone of our community partners located on Community Partners pages of this website.

Back to Top

How do I know that I can trust VS-LC Volunteers and Staff ?

Volunteers and Staff are subject to very strict confidentiality parameters and will in all cases (unless harm is threatened towards a child, the victim themselves or other individuals) maintain that confidentiality.  Information passed from Responder to Staff is brief and only documents the care/service given with minimal description of the actual occurrence or turn of events leading to the tragedy.

Back to Top