Victim Services

Victim Services of Middlesex County relies on volunteers to provide effective short-term support and crisis assistance to victims of crime and tragic circumstances. A comprehensive screening process and ongoing training for volunteers ensures that victims are assisted with dignity, respect, compassion and empathy.

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, consider volunteering with Victim Services of Middlesex County. People of all skills and abilities are welcome to apply!

• must be 18 years of age or older
• must be willing to submit to a police clearance
• must complete the minimum 48 hours mandatory training as set out by the Ministry of the Attorney General
• commit to a minimum of one year of volunteer activity
• be willing to sign up for a minimum of 3 - 12 hour shifts a month
• attendance at the bi-monthly Volunteer Meeting
• must have use of a vehicle, possess a valid drivers license and provide proof of coverage of a minimum of $1,000,000 auto insurance liability

Please note: Acceptance into volunteer training does not guarantee that an applicant will be involved in direct service provision with victims. All staff, volunteers and board members will be subjected to a criminal record check. References will be checked as part of the screening process.

After successful completion of the standardized training, evaluation and swearing oath of confidentiality, volunteers qualify as a Crisis Responders. Volunteers, always working as part of a crisis team, will respond immediately to requests from emergency services to provide short term emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime or tragic circumstance. Volunteers will ensure that appropriate options and/or referrals for longer term assistance are provided to victims.

In order to effectively serve the needs of our communities, Volunteers make a one year commitment in which they committ themselves to being on-calll for three 12 hour shifts per month. Shift start times are 7am or 7pm.

Respond immediately to requests for service from emergency services by attending on scene or at an alternate safe location. On occasion, crisis assistance may be provided by telephone.

Provide emotional support which empowers the victim, including answering questions and providing information that will help lessen the impact of the crisis for the victim.

Provide practical assistance as needed. This may include transportation and/or accompanying a victim to emergency services (shelters, hospital, etc.), making telephone calls on request or alternate arrangements as required, helping to secure premises and other similar tasks.

Identify longer term needs by responding to the victim’s concerns and supply the victim with appropriate options and referrals to services in the community that will assist them in accessing resources for further assistance.

Prepare necessary reports, liaise with emergency services and report to your shift coordinator as necessary.

Participate in the evaluation of the call and provide relevant information to the Program Coordinator for follow-up.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Participating in bi-monthly training meetings and other volunteer training events as scheduled.

Reporting back to the Program Coordinator or designate if a victim services call or assignment is particularly stressful for the attending volunteer(s). Individual debriefing will be available to assist volunteers in need of such assistance.

Application are currently being accepted for the training session for October 2011

To apply to become a volunteer, click on the link below and complete the application form:

Applications will be kept on file and applicants will be contacted during the next recruitment period.

For more information about becoming a Crisis Respnse Volunteer contact the Program Coordinator at (519) 245-6660 or be e-mail at jane@vsmiddlesex.org.