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Victims of crime

There is a range of help and services available to victims of crime in the City of Ottawa. They include the following resources:

OPS Victim Service Crisis Unit

The Ottawa Police Service offers information and help for victims of crime. You can contact the Victim Service Crisis Unit by phone at 613-236-1222, extension 5822 (TTY 613-760-8009) or visit the OPS website for more information about victim services.

Ottawa Victim Services

Support for individuals who have been victimized as a result of crime or tragic circumstance is provided by professional staff and trained volunteers by telephone, on-scene and in our victim services office.  Clients can access our services through referrals from community service agencies, the Police or self-referrals.

Victim Support Services (Ontario government)

The Victim Support Line (VSL) is a province-wide toll-free information line, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in the language of your choice. The VSL provides a range of services to victims of crime, including:

  • Information and referrals to supports and services available in your community.
  • Access to information about provincially sentenced offenders. You can also register for automated notifications when an offender’s status changes.

You can call the Victim Support Line toll-free at 1-888-579-2888 or visit their website.

Roberries and swarmings

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a robbery or swarming, call 9-1-1 immediately. The OPS website offers tips on avoiding robberies and swarmings.

Elder abuse

Seniors can be victims of elder abuse. This includes physical and emotional abuse and fraud. The OPS offers information specific to crimes against seniors. Find out more and get access to resources to help you protect yourself, a parent or grandparent, or someone in your neighbourhood.

Woman abuse (domestic violence)

24-hour Support Lines

  • Help line for abused women (613) 745-4818
  • Assault Women’s Helpline 1-866-863-0511
  • FEMAIDE for francophone women 1-877-FEM-AIDE/ 1-877-336-2433
  • Minwaashin Lodge, Aboriginal Women's Support Centre (613) 789-1141

Crisis and Counselling Services

Websites

Sexual violence

24-hour Support Lines

Crisis and Counselling Services

Websites

Child abuse

Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa-Carleton, Child Protection (613) 747-7800

Ottawa Police Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Section (613) 236-1222, ext 5944


Help for Victims


Ottawa Victim Services (613) 238-2762

Hate crimes

Hate crimes are committed against persons or properties based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation and more. If you are—or suspect you may be—the victim of a hate crime, visit the Ottawa Police Service website for more information and report the crime to police.

The Winnipeg Safety Committee’s anti-hate brochure is an excellent resource for those who want to stop hate-motivated violence and address prejudice.  

Their helpful anti-homophobia brochure is also available online.