Victim Quick Response Program+
The Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) is a government of Ontario program that helps pay for certain expenses that victims and witnesses have because of a violent crime.
The rules about who qualify and when to apply are strict.
Types of crimes
Some examples of violent crimes include:
- murder or attempted murder
- domestic abuse of a partner, child, or elder
- sexual assault
- criminal harassment
- sharing intimate photos without permission
- hate crimes, like being assaulted because of your race or sexual orientation
- human trafficking
- serious physical assault
Who is eligible
To get help you must:
- be a victim or witness of a violent crime that took place in Ontario
- live in Ontario
- report the crime
- have no money or insurance to pay for the expenses
- show you cannot get help from any other publicly-funded program
Usually, you must also not be charged with an offence related to the crime. But there are exceptions, for example, if you are a victim of human trafficking or intimate partner violence and there are safety concerns.
You can also apply if the crime happened to someone in your immediate family. If you are under 16 years, your parent or guardian can apply for you.
Report
You can report the crime to the police or, in some situations, you can report it to another organization.
For child abuse, you can report the crime to a child protection agency. And for domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, criminal harassment, elder abuse, or a hate crime, you can report the crime to a community victim support agency. For example, a domestic violence shelter, sexual assault centre, hospital, or community agency.
Expenses and deadlines
The following table shows some of the expenses the program pays for, the maximum amount paid for each type of expense, and the deadline to claim them from the date of the crime.
It may be possible to extend the deadlines if there are good reasons why you missed them. And the deadlines for victims younger than 18 years are different.
| Type of expenses covered | Maximum amount paid | Deadline to apply |
| Short-term counselling | $1,000 | 6 months |
| Traditional Indigenous health services | $2,550 | 6 months |
| Funeral expenses | $5,000 | 45 days |
| Crime scene cleanup of biological substances and harmful materials only | $1,500 | 45 days |
| Immediate safety expenses such as replacing broken windows and locks or getting a cell phone |
$1,000 | 45 days |
| Support for serious injuries | Depends on type of expense |
1 year |
| Practical expenses such as groceries, temporary housing, or aids for victims with disabilities | Depends on type of expense |
45 days |
The program does not give money for pain and suffering.
How to apply
When you report the crime, the police or other organization may refer you to a VQRP+ service provider if they think you are eligible.
You can also call the Victim Support Line at 1-888-579-2888 or visit services.findhelp.ca/ovss to find a service provider in your community.
You can call a VQRP+ service provider to make an appointment. They will explain which expenses the program will cover and help you apply if you are eligible. The VQPR+ service provider does not approve the applications.
Serious injury
The VQRP+ service provider will give you a confirmation form if you apply for help with expenses related to a serious personal injury. A health professional has to fill it out with details about your injury, what caused it, and how it affects your life.
It is a good idea to have proof, like photos, hospital records, and receipts of expenses.
Payment
The government of Ontario looks at your application and decides if you qualify and how much money you get. You will not have a court or tribunal hearing. You will get a letter with their decision within 3-10 business days.
If you disagree with the decision, you can ask the VQRP+ Review Committee to review it. The VQRP+ service provider will help you submit your application for review.
The program usually sends the funds to the VQRP+ service provider to pay for your expenses. All the money from the program must be spent in Ontario.