Latest news with #VictimServices


CTV News
3 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Sarnia man arrested after contacting assault victim in violation of release conditions
A 27-year-old Sarnia man is facing charges following a string of assaults and release violations against the same victim in Chatham-Kent. Police say that the Sarnia man was initially charged following a domestic disturbance at a residence. Police charged the man with five counts of assault, and three counts of assault causing bodily harm as the result of an investigation. Following those charges, the man was released with conditions not to contact the victim, or go to a location where she lived, worked, or attended school. On May 4, police received a call that the man was spotted at the victim's residence, however upon arrival he was not present, and they were unable to locate him. Investigation resulted in police discovering that the man had attended the residence on multiple occasions, and made attempts to contact the victim in violation of his probation conditions. Police issued a warrant for his arrest. On May 30, Sarnia police located the accused and he was arrested and transported to Chatham-Kent Police Service headquarters, where he remains and is being held. If you or someone you know needs support, there are local resources available to help, including Chatham-Kent Victim Services. The OPP can be reached at anytime, anywhere in the Province of Ontario at 1-888-310-1122. If you are in an immediate crisis, dial 911.


CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
OPP, Victim Services host event in Thorndale to help those traumatized by Friday's tragic crash
A drop-in event in Thorndale Wednesday evening was dedicated to helping those experiencing trauma or anxiety over last Friday's tragic crash outside town. 'It's just to let the community know that we're here to give them a shoulder if they need it,' said Middlesex OPP Inspector Ross Stuart. 052825 - Thorndale event Middlesex OPP Insp. Ross Stuart speaks with CTV News. (Bryan Bicknell/CTV News London) The OPP was joined by Crimestoppers and Victim Services of Middlesex London for the event. It was to provide emotional support and assistance to community members and any first responders involved in the crash. Five people were killed Friday when an SUV collided with a transport truck and another vehicle at Thorndale Road and Cobble Hills Road. 'These events have a massive impact on not only the people that are tragically involved from a family or loved-one standpoint and also the first responders that come to the scene, but the communities in which these tragic things happen. We want to have evenings like tonight where we can offer support to folks who may not otherwise have access to some resources, to help them work through these tragic situations,' said Stuart.


CTV News
7 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Elgin OPP launches Project Lifesaver
Elgin OPP has officially launched Project Lifesaver in the area. The project is a 'community-based, public safety, non-profit organization that provides locating technology.' The aim is to help find vulnerable people, like those with dementia and cognitive-related disabilities, who are 'prone to wander.' Community members can register their loved ones with Project Lifesaver, who will then wear a wristband that looks similar to a watch. The band will give off a tracking location to police to quickly find the missing person. Project Lifesaver Elgin OPP Terri Snell with Victim Services Elgin holds a Project Lifesaver wristband. (Source: Elgin OPP) According to a news release, those who are part of Project Lifesaver are typically found within 30 minutes. No person part of the project has died since its inception in 2005. If you are interested in partaking in Project Lifesaver, you can contact Victim Services Elgin at 519-631-3182.


CTV News
19-05-2025
- CTV News
Man dies after crash between two dirt bikes
Saugeen Shores police say a 22-year-old man has died after a collision between two dirt bikes in Southampton. The Saugeen Shores Police Service in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Coroner, are investigating the fatal crash that took place on a private property around 10:30 p.m. on Friday. A 22-year-old man of Saugeen Shores was pronounced dead at the scene. A 23-year-old man of Saugeen Shores was transported to a trauma centre where he remains in critical condition. Saugeen Shores police and EMS attended the scene on Friday. Members of the Ontario Provincial Police Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement team (T.I.M.E.) attended the scene on Saturday to assist with the investigation. The scene has since been released. Police say no further information will be provided at this time. If you are affected by this event and need someone to talk to Victim Services Support can be contacted at 1-866-376-9852.


Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service celebrates Division 2 opening
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has officially launched its new Division 2 location at 180 Brock St., with an outdoor barbeque held in partnership with Victim Services. Monday afternoon's launch also marked the beginning of Police Week and Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. While officers have been operating out of the site since April 28, the building is not yet open to the public as an intercom system for security purposes still needs to be installed. Public access is expected in the coming weeks, with a transition period as police and community members adjust to the new service model. The collision reporting centre, along with Crime Stoppers and Victim Services, will also relocate to the new downtown site. Division 2 is staffed by four constables and a sergeant, with a total of 17 staff working from the new location. This includes members from Traffic Services, the Canine Unit, the Central Support Bureau, a Community Safety Officer, and the High School Liaison Officer. It has taken a year and a half to bring the project to life. Approximately $850,000 was allocated for renovations and the move, although a final cost has not yet been released. The 84,000-square-foot facility spans two floors and includes interview rooms, an elevator, offices, change rooms, storage space, and a lunchroom. Officers working in the downtown area now have a convenient location to complete paperwork without needing to return to headquarters on Second Line East. 'It's been a long time coming and we're proud to see it finally taking shape down here,' said interim Chief Brent Duguay. Duguay reported that within Division 2's first month of operations, officers have made 15 arrests, issued nine provincial offences, and handed out two bylaw tickets. He also noted strong early engagement with local businesses. 'The biggest engagement so far has been with store owners to make sure they know who to call if there's a problem,' he told the crowd of about 20 gathered outside the new building. Insp. Derek Dewar said the move was in response to feedback from the public and city council, who voiced a desire for a stronger police presence downtown. 'So far the impact has been overwhelmingly positive,' said Dewar. 'It lessens the burden of the existing building,' he added, referring to the main station, which he said is 'bursting at the seams.' Dewar said downtown officers will conduct beat and bicycle patrols, with a proactive approach aimed at improving response times and community safety in the core. Jasmine Savoie, executive director of Victim Services, emphasized that individuals seeking their support do not have to report each incident to police. 'That's a huge barrier to some of our friends who may have run-ins,' said Savoie. She noted that a large part of Victim Services's mission involves raising awareness for victims and survivors of crimes such as trafficking, intimate partner violence (IPV), and homicide. She hopes the new location, which the agency has been operating from for a week, will make it easier for people to access support. 'We think that having more of a central location is better for the downtown core,' said Savoie. 'We can meet a lot more people in their own environment.'