Our Services

Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services is a part of the Ontario Network of Victim Services Providers, and provides services within the Manitoulin-Northshore region. This includes all of Manitoulin Island and the Northshore from Walford/Sagamok to Nairn Centre, including Espanola, Birch Island, etc.

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MNVS primarily administers two ministry programs: VCAO and VQRP+. In addition, we provide the MTS (Mobile Tracking System) program.

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VCAO (Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario)

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The Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario (VCAO) Program provides crisis intervention services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances after an incident 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the request of the police. Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services also provides services at the request of other community agencies, medical services, and by self-referral during our office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 - 4:30, excluding holidays.)

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In addition to on-site crisis intervention, other services offered through the VCAO program include:

• Safety planning for all eligible victims of crime

• Referrals to appropriate community supports and services

• Needs assessments and customized service plans

• Enhanced support for vulnerable victims

• Referrals to community agencies

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Who is eligible?

Victims must be within the Manitoulin Northshore region. If you are outside of this area, visit the online Victim Services Directory or call the Victim Support toll-free at 1-888-579-2888. 

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Who is ineligible?

If the victim is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

To act solely as a form of transportation.

To a call that is deemed to be unsafe.

 

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VQRP+ (Victim Quick Response Program)

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The Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) is intended to provide timely assistance to eligible victims of the most violent crime. 

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The Victim Quick Response Program + (VQRP+) provides short-term financial support toward essential expenses for victims, their immediate family members and witnesses in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime to help reduce the impact of the crime, enhance safety and meet immediate practical needs that are a result of the crime.

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VQRP+ is available to individuals who have no other financial means (e.g. private insurance) where there is no publicly-funded program available.

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Eligible applicants can access supports for critical needs such as:

• Emergency home safety expenses (e.g. window repair, lock changes)

• Practical assistance expenses (e.g. basic necessities, clothing, meals/groceries)

• Travel and related expenses (e.g. to shelters or safe accommodations)

• Crime scene clean-up (e.g. removal of hate-crime graffiti)

• Short-term counselling services

• Supports required for serious injuries

• Basic funeral expenses and other financial support for families of homicide victims

• Cellular phones for eligible victims

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To apply for the program, you must be assessed for eligibility with a local VQRP+ service provider. If you are eligible, the service provider will assist you with your application to the program. Contact Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services at (705) 370-3378 to assess your eligibility.

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MTS (Mobile Tracking System)

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The Mobile Tracking System (MTS) is a GPS tracking device provided to individuals at high risk of violence. The program is designed to assist in the prevention of domestic violence and criminal harassment, and in the protection of their victims. This is a personal alarm for persons identified at high risk of experiencing violence. Given that the MTS is a short-term program, all recipients actively work on other safety measures with the GPS portion acting as only one component of a larger safety plan. 

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Goals and Objectives

• To assist in the prevention of domestic violence and criminal harassment.

• To assist in the protection of persons who are identified as at high risk of experiencing violence.

• To assist high-risk persons in providing a safe environment for themselves and their children.

• To assist clients throughout the judicial process.

• To fulfill an advocacy and educational role.

• To support the process of empowerment.

• To assist clients in restoring a sense of normalcy to their lives.

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To apply for the program, you must be assessed for eligibility with Manitoulin Northshore Victim Services. Contact us at (705) 370-3378, for more information.

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Project Lifesaver

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Project Lifesaver is a radio-based tracking system for high-risk, vulnerable individuals who may be at risk of wandering. This may include individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's, Down syndrome, Autism, etc.

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Project Lifesaver clients wear a personalized, battery-operated wristband that emits a unique FM radio tracking signal. Police services and search and rescue teams can then respond by tracking the signal, in the event that the client should be reported missing. This allows the individual to be found at a much faster rate and increases their safety and the peace of mind of caregivers, family, and loved ones.

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Thanks to our generous sponsors, including Domtar Inc., the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, the Municipality of Central Manitoulin, Billings Township, and the Municipality of Assiginack, this program is currently free of charge. To apply, caregivers can contact 705-370-3378 or victimservices@vianet.ca to receive an application to be filled out.