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A district-wide program dedicated to assisting all victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking

The SupportLink program provides a wireless phone unit and comprehensive safety planning to male and female victims, 18 years of age and older, who are at high risk of personal danger because of:

Domestic Assault
Sexual Assault
Criminal Harrassment

SupportLink is a joint iniative of the Ontario Government (Ministry of the Attorney General), Rogers AT & T Wireless and Ericsson Canada.

SERVICES OFFERED

The SupportLink program, delivered by Muskoka Victim Services, is designed to provide victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and criminal harassment with:

Assistance to develop a personal safety plan
Training on the use of the wireless phone unit and maintaining charged batteries
Information about, and referrals to other services for longer term help and counseling
Ongoing follow-up to ensure safety planning is as current as possible

SAFETY PLANNING

SupportLink is committed to helping victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and criminal harassment through:

Increased, easier access to 911
More safety options
Greater sense of safety
Increased mobility

SupportLink assists victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and criminal harassment to learn more about:

Safety planning
Using the wireless phone safely
Safety while traveling
Safety while at work
Safety while at home
Safety through court orders
Safety through communication

QUALIFYING FOR SUPPORTLINK ASSISTANCE

A male or female victim at risk of personal danger because of domestic violence, sexual assault or criminal harassment, can apply to the SupportLink program provided they are 18 years of age or older. They may be eligible if:

They have reported or are prepared to report the situation to the police
They are not living with the accused
They are willing to abide by all protective orders
They are willing to work with the SupportLink Coordinator in preparing a personal safety plan
They are willing to maintain contact with the Coordinator and accept the terms of the usage agreement
They have reasonable grounds to believe they are at risk and they understand the limitations of the phone-such as the possibility of dead zones.