VQRP

Victim Quick Response Program

The Ministry of the Attorney General’s Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP) provides quick assistance to victims of homicide, attempted murder, serious physical assault, domestic violence, sexual assault and hate crime in the immediate aftermath of a crime. Available in over 50 communities across Ontario, the Program provides eligible victims with financial assistance for funeral expenses, emergency expenses and short-term, early intervention counselling. For more detailed information, please download the Information Booklet and Brochure.

Who is eligible for the VQRP?

If you check all the boxes below, you are eligible:

I am a victim of a violent Criminal Code offence that occurred in Ontario, and I have not been charged as a result of the crime.
The crime occurred after June 30, 2007.
I am requesting services no later than 14 days after the crime was reported.
I need immediate assistance to pay for funeral expenses; and/or emergency expenses; and/or short-term counselling services.
I have no other financial resources to assist me with funeral expenses; and/or emergency expenses; and/or short-term counselling services.

If I am eligible, how do I apply?

You must report a violent Criminal Code offence to a police service in the province of Ontario within 14 days of the incident.

Victims of domestic violence or sexual assault may report the crime to a domestic violence shelter, sexual assault centre, hospital or other community agency providing services to victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in Ontario.

The police or community organization (in the case of domestic violence or sexual assault) may refer you to a local VQRP service delivery organization. These organizations will help you understand the eligibility requirements, complete forms and identify local support services.

How much am I eligible for?

Funeral:

up to $5,000
Provided to families of homicide victims

Counselling:

Ten sessions or $1,000
Short-term, early intervention counselling to help reduce the impact of crime

Emergency:

Combined maximum of $1,000 per occurence an can include:
- Crime scene cleanup requiring specialized services
- Emergency accommodation and meals where there are no secure housing options available
- Emergency home repairs to secure premises for the immediate safety of victims
- Transportation and emergency child/dependent care costs to identify a homicide victim or support a seriously injured relative

How long will it take to approve my application?

The Ontario Victim Services Secretariat’s goal is to process emergency funding and funeral expense requests within three business days of receiving the request. Counselling service requests will be processed within five business days of receiving the request.