Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP)

Latest changes include:

• New application form/eligibility checklist  (in all cases original applications, receipts are required

• Eligibility dates changed to ‘date of crime’ instead of ‘date reported’

• Last date eligibility extensions for application: (do not include day of crime in count – Last day 5:00 pm cut off)

Who?

The VQRP has been established to provide assistance to victims of:

• Homicide - including attempted murder

• Serious physical assault - including but not limited to, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, aggravated assault

• Domestic Violence - emergency home repair, child care, transportation assistance and counseling

• Sexual Assault - emergency home repair, child care, transportation assistance and counselling

• Hate Crime - Counselling

What?

The VQRP will provide financial assistance for:

• Counselling -90 calendar days after date of crime (10 sessions or $1,000) 

• Group Counselling Arrangement also

  • Open to all victims who have suffered emotional or physical harm as a result of the commission of a crime

• Emergency Expenses – 45 calendar days after the date of the crime  (minimal out of pocket)

• Funeral Expenses – 45 calendar days after the date of the crime (up to $5,000)

• OVSS (funding agency) will not accept requests for extension of time line due to lack of awareness

• Additional program services:

• Transportation to counselling services for Community Based Counselling or Counselling through VQRP (up to $250) where public/no other transportation is available;

• Interpreter (sign language and support person to assist with signing/interpretation up to $1,000);

• Travel/accommodations costs (in the immediate aftermath of a crime and no other financial/ accommodation resource available -- up to $1,000);

• Follow up (medical) transportation if the care is directly attributable to the incident (crime) -- up to $1,000;

• Child care/dependent care costs for Victim to attend Bail Hearing;

• Original Services maintained: (contributions towards the cost of);

• Emergency Crime Scene Clean Up (up to $1,500 if not other financial resources i.e. insurance, available);

• Emergency Home Safety Expenses to Secure Premises

• Emergency Transportation (Crime Related)

• Emergency Child Care and/or Dependent Care

• Counselling Services (counselling sessions/payment submission must be within 6 months of approval)

When?

Application must be made within 14 days of the crime.  TIP:  There is a 5 day approval period after application, so applications need to be made (signed by Victim) through VS-LC as soon as possible after occurrence.

Where?

The crime must have occurred in Ontario.  VQRP Applicants should be referred to:

Victim Services – Lanark County

Office 613-284-8380

91 Cornelia Street West, Smiths Falls, Ontario K7A 5L3

Police use 911 to dispatch VS-LC Team for on scene assistance. 

Why? 

The VQRP has been established to provide immediate financial assistance to victims of the most violent crimes.  This is to be considered the fund of last resort and is intended for those with no other means of funding.  The claim approval criteria are strict. 

How? 

Referrals can be accepted from police or in the case of domestic violence and sexual assault by a recognized community agency that provides support services to victims and to which the crime was reported.  (It must be a crime as per the Criminal Code of Canada.)

There is an application form that must be completed and signed by the Victim in the presence of VS-LC staff within 14 days of the crime.  Generally approval is received within 5 business days.

Funds are paid directly to the service provider from the VQRP office.  Only in rare exceptions will VS-LC cover the expense and await reimbursement (must be authorized by Executive Director).

In the event of pager interruption, please call Margaret Lapensee, VS-LC Executive Director at: Office 613-284-8380; or Cell: 613-285-5768.