Resources
There is an abundance of resources both within Lanark County, as well as online. In this section you will find information surrounding the resources specific to Lanark County and surrounding areas as well as general information about trauma, crisis intervention and safety planning.
CRISIS INTERVENTION
Crisis Intervention Services are offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Police and Fire services may contact Victim Services on behalf of the victim via an emergency pager system. Teams of two people (or more when required) will be dispatched on-scene to provide emotional support and practical assistance. On-scene can mean a variety of different locations such as a person’s home, hospital, police department, local restaurant, neighbour’s home or even the side of the road depending on the circumstances. We provide tailored crisis assistance services based on what each person needs that moment in time to help him / her get through his/ her experience or until other supports are activated.
A crime does not have to be committed to activate our crisis intervention services. Referrals for service may include; sudden death, homicide / attempted homicide, suicide, motor vehicle accident, break & enter / home invasion, hate crimes, human trafficking, robbery, physical assault, domestic assault, sexual assault, stalking & harassment, elder abuse, child abuse, fire, disaster and other tragic circumstances. We offer services to all ages regardless of gender, socio-economic status, race, colour, creed, ancestry, place of origin, political beliefs, religion, marital status, disability, age, or sexual orientation.
SAFETY PLANNING
Safety planning services may be requested from police and / or other community services (such as Victim Witness Assistance Program, Family & Children’s Services, and so on) as well as from individuals seeking assistance. Safety planning may be required as a result of intimate partner violence / dating violence, an assault, sexual assault, family violence, stalking & harassment, break & enter, home invasion, robbery, elder abuse, human trafficking, hate crime and/or sexual exploitation. Teams of two will provide information and assistance for individuals who are in need of safety planning strategies.
This could include safety planning for the home, work, and community or wherever it is needed and can include children. We will also work with individuals to provide strategies for emotional safety planning in order to assist in the process of keeping yourself safe from emotional harm. Teams will meet with individuals in agreed upon locations with an emphasis on a safe location being the priority.
We also offer specialized services for seniors who are looking for ways to keep themselves safe from frauds, break and enters and others who may try to take advantage of them financially and/or physically. This may include a home safety audit as well as other elements of safety planning already mentioned. Specialized kits of information specific to older adults will be provided.
It’s important to keep in mind that you do not have control over another person’s level of violence. If you are being subjected to some form of abuse, creating a safety plan may help you to prepare for the possibility of future violence and hopefully help you protect yourself and your children.
Safety plans are information that is specifically geared towards actions you can take for yourself and / or your dependents. Risk factors can change and safety plans may also need to change.
On this resource page are a list of publications and links to provide you with information on safety planning. Some of the links are to our own work and some are to other community groups.
Take the First Step Forward
If you or someone you care about has been affected by crime, tragedy, or disaster, you do not have to process it alone. Our team is available around the clock to provide confidential emotional support, guidance, and resources
For further information about this topic, please email
