Support for victims of crime (IVAC)
What is IVAC?
IVAC’s mission is to support victims of crime so that they can access the financial assistance to which they are entitled following an assault. These services are offered to promote their recovery and help them get their lives back on track.
Examples of services offered by IVAC
As mentioned on the IVAC (Compensation for Victims of Crime) website, the program offers a range of services and compensation to help victims of crime or their loved ones.
- Financial assistance for professional reintegration: to help victims return to the job market. Financial assistance may include, for example, reimbursement of the costs of consulting a career counselor if victims are unable to return to their workplace due to an assault, or educational expenses such as books or school supplies.
- Physical and psychosocial rehabilitation: rehabilitation services to help victims overcome physical and psychological effects by reimbursing, for example, housekeeping, lawn mowing, or meal preparation assistance costs.
- Social reintegration to enable victims to regain control of their lives, such as paying moving expenses, installing protective measures in their homes such as alarm systems, or paying for self-defense classes.
- Reimbursement of medical expenses, such as coverage of medical assistance, medication, and pharmaceutical products.
- Reimbursement of travel, meal, and accommodation expenses for victims (and their relatives, if these persons are required to accompany them) who must travel for reasons related to the criminal offense.
Lump sum payment in the event of death, i.e., compensation for the relatives of deceased victims. - Lump sum payments for permanent sequelae or temporary injury.
Indemnisation des victimes d’aide criminel, https://www.ivac.qc.ca/indemnites-services/Pages/indemnites-et-services-offerts.aspx , site consulté le 27 décembre 2024.
Why do I work with victims of crime (IVAC)?
My interest in working with victims of crime stems from my fundamental belief in human resilience. I believe that humans possess unsuspected strengths that enable them to endure suffering and survive the unthinkable.
I want to offer support to people who want it at this point in their lives. I humbly hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people who have experienced trauma by welcoming them, with all their strengths and vulnerabilities. Each person is unique, which makes supporting them both challenging and rewarding.
Accompanying victims of crime on their journey is a way for me to help them rebuild their lives after traumatic events. If I can help them regain confidence in their abilities, strengths, and capabilities, then I will be honored to have been part of their journey.
Why choose me to accompany you?
I have been working in intervention for 20 years; I have worked with community mental health organizations, at the CLSC, and now on my own for the past five years. Over the years, I have supported many people who have been victims of crime, whether due to domestic violence, assault, threats, or hit-and-run incidents. I am a valuable resource for you because I understand the importance of supporting you in your efforts.
I will be an ally in your journey because I understand the systemic, legal, social, psychological, and emotional challenges that must be faced when we are victims of crime. Indeed, I see that there are many challenges when trying to get back to a routine after experiencing a crime, whether it be in terms of finances, organizing our day, the children’s routine, continuing to work, or even grocery shopping.
We may feel misunderstood, disillusioned, upset, discouraged, and many other emotions when we have been the victim of a crime. However, being supported by someone who is aware of these challenges is an important part of your recovery, because all of these feelings are valid and human. Regaining confidence in yourself and others can be a daunting challenge, and people often tend to blame themselves for a crime they have been the victim of.
In fact, part of my support lies precisely there: helping you regain control over your life, because you are not the one who should feel guilty. I have a lot of empathy for people who have been shaken, discouraged, or overwhelmed by the behavior of others toward them. Regaining trust can be a daunting challenge when you have experienced such suffering, and part of psychosocial support involves rebuilding trust in ourselves, but also in others. As mentioned earlier, I have been supporting people who have needed help following a criminal act for nearly 20 years, and I would be happy to provide additional support for your efforts.
Get in touch with me: write to me, call me, or text me, even for a free 15-minute introductory consultation, to see what I can do for you.
