Resources and Services | Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton

RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO YOU

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Domestic violence (DV) is not an isolated event but is a pattern of a variety of abusive acts occurring over the course of a relationship. Although not all components of DV are criminal, they all interact with each other and can have profound physical and emotional effects on the victim. Both men and women can be victims of DV. However, it is widely acknowledged that women are the majority of persons affected by this type of violence. It may also be referred to as intimate partner violence (IPV), domestic abuse, or relationship abuse.

DV can appear as, or in combination with, any of the following abusive behaviours:

Physical abuse – Any unnecessary or unwanted physical contact caused by another person resulting in bodily harm, discomfort, and/or injury.
Sexual abuse – Any unwanted act of a sexual nature that is imposed on another person whether physical, verbal, or non-contact.
Emotional/psychological abuse – Any act that induces fear, diminishes the individual’s dignity or self-worth and/or that traumatizes another person. This can appear as threats, isolation, manipulation, or even the silent treatment.
Verbal abuse – The use of negative comments or language that is embarrassing, offensive, threatening and/or degrading to the victim.
Financial abuse – Any behaviour that reduces or eliminates an individual’s financial independence and/or financial decision making. The abuser may control or withhold money or prevent the victim from obtaining a job or source of income.
Spiritual abuse – Any tactics that exert power and control over an individual’s spirituality and religious orientation. Preventing the victim from practicing their beliefs, forcing them to practice a religion they do not believe in, or insulting them based on their beliefs are some forms of spiritual abuse.

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N. Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca

Police, Fire, EMS
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1
Call or visit your local Police Station to report incidences of domestic violence

CMHA Crisis Line
519-336-3445 OR 1-800-307-4319

Family Counselling Centre Distress Line
519-336-3000 OR 1-888-341-8737

Réseau-femmes du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario
Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre
180 College Ave N, Suite 101
Sarnia, ON
519-332-8897
1-888-946-3029 (Crisis Line)

Sexual Assault Survivors Centre
420 East St. N., Suite #11
Sarnia, ON
519-337-3154

Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
Level 2, Norman Building
Bluewater Health
89 Norman Street
Sarnia, ON
(519) 464-4522
(519) 464-4500 (After Hours)

Women’s Interval Home
681 Oxford St
Sarnia, ON
519-336-5200
1-800-265-1412

SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault is any unwanted act of a sexual nature imposed by one person upon another. Sexual assault of any kind is a crime, even in a marriage or dating relationship. A victim of sexual assault does not entice or provoke the assault by their behaviour, dress or whereabouts. If the person does not consent to the activity, then any sexual contact is an assault upon that person.

Sexual assault can be physical, verbal, or occur without contact. Any sexual activity without consent is a form of sexual assault. Some examples include:

Sexual contact with someone who did not provide consent or revoked consent
Sexual contact with someone who is unable or does not have the capacity to provide consent (e.g. intoxicated, asleep)
Rape or attempted rape
Sexual coercion
Sexual contact with a child
Unwanted touching above or below clothes
Sexual harassment or threats
Sending someone unwanted texts or “sexts” (texting sexual photos or messages)
Voyeurism – when someone watches private sexual acts without consent

What can you do if you’ve been sexually assaulted?

You can tell someone that you trust.
You can contact the police.
You can attend the hospital

You can contact Victim Services for more information on your options.

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N.
Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca

Police, Fire, EMS
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1
Call or visit your local Police Station to report incidences of domestic violence

CMHA Crisis Line
519-336-3445 OR 1-800-307-4319

Family Counselling Centre Distress Line
519-336-3000 OR 1-888-341-8737

Réseau-femmes du Sud-Ouest de l’Ontario
Lochiel Kiwanis Community Centre
180 College Ave N, Suite 101
Sarnia, ON
519-332-8897
1-888-946-3029 (Crisis Line)

Sexual Assault Survivors Centre
420 East St. N., Suite #11
Sarnia, ON
519-337-3154

Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
Level 2, Norman Building
Bluewater Health
89 Norman Street
Sarnia, ON
(519) 464-4522
(519) 464-4500 (After Hours)

Women’s Interval Home
681 Oxford St
Sarnia, ON
519-336-5200
1-800-265-1412

ELDER ABUSE

Elder abuse is the abuse or neglect of an older person often perpetrated by a trusted person such as a family member, friend, caregiver, or staff in a residential setting. Victims of elder abuse often rely on the abuser for necessities such as personal care, food, shelter, transportation and companionship.

Elder abuse can appear as, or in combination with, any of the following abusive behaviours:

Physical abuse – Any act of violence that results in physical injury or physical discomfort and pain. Physical abuse may include assault, such as hitting, slapping, pushing, unlawful confinement, and over and undermedication.
Sexual abuse – All unwanted forms of sexual activity, behaviour, assault or harassment.
Emotional/Psychological abuse – Any action or comment that may cause emotional anguish, fear or diminish the self-esteem or dignity of the older person.
Financial abuse – Any improper conduct, done with or without the informed consent of the older adult that results in a monetary or personal gain to the abuser and/or monetary or personal loss for the older adult.
Neglect – There are three types of neglect: Active, passive, and self-neglect. Active neglect is the intentional failure of a caregiver to fulfill his/her care giving responsibilities. Passive neglect is the unintentional failure of a caregiver to fulfill his/her care giving responsibilities and self-neglect means that the older person is not providing for his/her own essential needs.

What to Do if You Are Aware of Elder Abuse:

Theft, fraud, forgery, assault, forcible confinement and failing to provide the necessities of life are criminal offences. These should be reported to the police. One must keep in mind that all persons, including seniors are free to make their own decisions. This includes refusing help. If an abused elder declines any assistance, continue periodic contact. There is legislation for mandatory reporting in cases of abuse, neglect or improper treatment of residents in Nursing Homes and Homes for the Aged. Any suspicion of abuse must be reported to the Ontario Ministry of Health.

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N.
Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca

Police, Fire, EMS
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1
Call or visit your local Police Station to report incidences of domestic violence

Lambton Elderly Outreach
4486 London Line
Wyoming, ON
519-845-1353
1-800-265-0203

DEATH AND GRIEF

Bereavement – The period of mourning and intense grief after the death of a loved one. It often results in a great longing for the deceased and a period of adjustment which may take years.

Grief – The deep or intense sorrow or distress felt after a loss, especially if the loss involves the death of a loved one. The grief process is individual to each person and is an essential part of healing.

Disenfranchised grief – Grief that cannot be openly expressed due to personal or societal standards. In these situations, grief can become extremely confusing and internalizing.

Situations that may result in disenfranchised grief include:

An extra-marital relationship with the deceased
A samesex relationship with the deceased that was not made known to family and friends
Suicide
Homicide that occurs at the hands of another family member
Murder-suicide deaths

Anyone who has suffered a loss may experience the five stages of grief:

Denial – An inability to accept what has happened. It is common to feel that what happened is all just a bad dream.
Anger – Wondering why this is happening feeling that life is unfair.
Bargaining – Attempting to negotiate for an extended life by making promises.
Depression – Feeling too sad to do anything; sorrow comes to the forefront.
Acceptance – Coming to terms with and accepting what has happened.

Not everyone will experience all five stages, and the stages may be experienced in any order.

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N.
Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca

St. Joseph’s Hospice of Sarnia Lambton
475 Christina St. N.
519-337-0537

Canadian Mental Health Association Crisis Line
519-336-3445 OR 1-800-307-4319

Family Counselling Centre Distress Line
519-336-3000 OR 1-888-347-8737

SUICIDE AND GRIEF

Anyone who has suffered a loss may experience the five stages of grief:

Denial – An inability to accept what has happened. It is common to feel that what happened is all just a bad dream.
Anger – Wondering why this is happening feeling that life is unfair.
Bargaining – Attempting to negotiate for an extended life by making promises.
Depression – Feeling too sad to do anything; sorrow comes to the forefront.
Acceptance – Coming to terms with and accepting what has happened.

Not everyone will experience all five stages, and the stages may be experienced in any order.

In addition to the stages of grief, the suicide survivor may face a unique set of emotions, including:

Guilt – Feeling that they could have recognized the signs or done something to prevent the suicide
Shame – Feeling ashamed about the suicide and unsure of what to tell people about what happened
Resentment – Feeling resentment toward the deceased for leaving and for causing pain
Relief – Feeling relieved about no longer having to worry about the deceased
Disconnection – An inability to think about happy memories of the deceased and to understand their choices
Confusion – Questioning the reason for suicide and asking “Why?”

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N.
Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca

Rapids Family Health Team: Suicide Loss Support Group
1150 Pontiac Drive, Suite 4
Sarnia, ON
Phone: 519-339-8949 ext. 154
lhodgins@rapidsfhteam.ca

Canadian Mental Health Association Crisis Line
519-336-3445 OR 1-800-307-4319

Family Counselling Centre Distress Line
519-336-3000 OR 1-888-347-8737

INDIGENOUS SERVICES

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton recognizes the unique experiences and needs of Indigenous populations. Lambton County is home to Walpole Island, Aamjiwnaang, and Kettle & Stony Point. Staff provide a non-judgemental, culturally sensitive environment to support the needs of the Indigenous communities. This includes referrals to appropriate supports available within their community.

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N.
Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca

Walpole Island Help Team
519-627-3635

Native Friendship Centre
233 Lochiel Street
Sarnia, ON
(519) 344-6164

Kettle & Stony Point Health Services
6247 Indian Lane
Kettle & Stony Point FN, ON
519-786-5647

Three Fires Women’s Shelter
Enodmaagajig Social Services Centre
150 Tecumseh Rd W, RR 3
Walpole Island, ON
519-627-3635

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, and/or harbouring of persons for the purpose of exploitation, typically for sexual exploitation or forced labour. Victims may also be exploited for organ removal. Anyone may be a victim of human trafficking, including men, women, and children, and may be immigrants or Canadian citizens.

Traffickers continue to maintain and exploit their victims by one, or a combination of, any of the following control tactics:

Manipulation
Violence (physical and emotional abuse)
Isolation
Watching, escorting, guarding
Threats and intimidation

Victims of human trafficking may be reluctant to come forward due to tactics of the trafficker. The following list are examples of the altered mindset that may prevent a victim from reporting:

May not self-identify as a victim of human trafficking. (They may not think they need help because they have a place to live, food to eat, medical care and what they think is a paying job)
Are unaware or have been misinformed of their rights in our country
Fear and mistrust law enforcement. Often traffickers tell their victims that they will be arrested and/or deported if they try to get help
Engage in self-blame. (They may feel that their current situation is their fault, and they feel guilty about it)
May develop loyalties and positive feelings toward the trafficker as a way to cope with their situation (in these cases, they may even try to protect the trafficker from authorities)
Fear for the safety of family members in their native country whose safety may have been threatened by the traffickers

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N.
Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca

Police, Fire, EMS
In an emergency, dial 9-1-1
Call or visit your local Police Station to report incidences of domestic violence

Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline 1-833-900-1010

Sexual Assault Survivors Centre
420 East St. N., Suite #11
Sarnia, ON
519-337-3154

Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
Level 2, Norman Building
Bluewater Health
89 Norman Street
Sarnia, ON
(519) 464-4522
(519) 464-4500 (After Hours)

OTHER CRIME AND TRAGIC CIRCUMSTANCES

At Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton, we understand that crime or tragic circumstance can happen to anyone. Staff are available to provide emotional and practical support to victims, witnesses, and family members following the occurrence of crime or tragic circumstance. Support may look like safety planning, referrals, an empathetic ear, and/or access to financial support through the Victim Quick Response Program+.

For more information on how we can support you and/or your loved ones, please contact the office.

Victim Services of Sarnia Lambton
555 Christina St. N.
Sarnia, ON
519-344-8861 ext. 5238
office@victimservices.on.ca