3. Apply to the VQRP+
Question & Answer
I’m a crime victim. Can I get money for expenses related to the crime?When you report a crime to the police or to the community victim support agency, they will refer you to a local Victim Quick Response Program (VQRP+) service delivery organization.
These organizations offer Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services. They also help you apply to the VQRP+.
You can search the Victim Services Directory to find the VQRP+ service delivery organizations in your community. Or you can call the Victim Support Line at 1-888-579-2888 or 416-314-2447.
Because the VQRP+ is a new program, some of the details about how it works are not yet clear. For example, it is not clear exactly what information you have to give in your application and how the application process works.
But it’s probably a good idea to make notes of things like:
- the date the crime took place
- details of what happened
- photos of your injuries
- details of injuries you suffered
- the dates you visited a health professional and why
- any medicine or treatment the health professional asked you to take
And, it’s a good idea to keep copies of things like:
- the police report
- any hospital records
- receipts to show how much you paid for the expenses and services you want VQRP+ to pay for
The VQRP+ decides if you qualify and how much money you get. You will not have a court or tribunal . It is not clear if you will have to go to an interview.
Time lines
The deadline to apply to the VQRP+ for help to pay for your immediate needs is 45 days from the date of the crime. For example, the cost of:
- cleaning up the crime scene
- emergency expenses related to home and personal safety
The deadline to apply for help to pay for any short-term counselling or traditional Indigenous health services is usually 6 months from the date of the crime.
There is deadline of one year from the date of the crime to apply for support if you:
- suffered a serious injury because of the crime
- are the immediate family member of a homicide victim
- are a victim of human trafficking
The rules for children are different.
