VSDR Blog

A lot of crime in Durham Region is committed by repeat offenders

‘A lot of crime in Durham Region is committed by repeat offenders’: MP hosts meeting on rising crime rates, blames federal government’s ‘woke, far left’ ideology

Sexual violence has grown seven times since 2019

Incidents of sexual violence alone are growing by more than seven times since 2019, according to Krista MacNeil, Executive Director, Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR).

Victim Services of Durham Region launches immersive program, and first VR game

Victim Services of Durham Region has launched a new, preventative and anti-human trafficking program. 

Town of Ajax urges province to take more action against Intimate Partner Violence

The urge to push the provincial government to take quicker action when it comes to intimate partner violence, continues throughout the region.

Human trafficking message continues rolling across the province

The newest Big Rig Wrap was unveiled in Whitby, and you can expect to see it on Highway 401, Highway 400 and other major highways.

Request for Support - Award Nomination

Victim Services of Durham Region is nominated for both a Canadian Screen Award and a Webby for our new Virtual Reality Game “In Your Shoes”, which is a part of our Immersive Learning Youth Violence Prevention and Anti-Human Trafficking program.

‹ Crews break ground... | Police looking for... › Victim Services of Durham Region receives funding for child-focused advocacy centre

A local group helping victims of crime and sudden tragedy is receiving more than $120,000 in funding from the federal and provincial governments.

This violence needs to stop,’ Durham advocates react to mass shooting in Sault Ste. Marie

Last weeks mass shooting in Sault Ste. Marie is sounding the alarm locally in Durham Region for more awareness around intimate partner violence.

New program designed to empower youth and prevent human trafficking in Durham

Victim Services of Durham Region has launched a new program to support youth in the region.

Clarington declares IPV an epidemic, joins municipalities across the Ontario

Clarington became one of the latest municipalities to proclaim intimate partner violence (IPV) an epidemic. It is one of 25 municipalities to do so in Ontario.

Human trafficking in Durham Region: a growing concern

Tied by a thick rope with tape restricting the ability to talk or eat – this is what the media portrays as ‘human trafficking.’

Ontario seeing more Newfoundlanders being trafficked

Prosecutors in Newfoundland and Labrador are seeking the province's first conviction for human trafficking, but advocates warn the absence of court cases shouldn't indicate trafficking isn't happening.

Victim Services of Durham Region Receives Award of Distinction

Victim Services of Durham Region recently received an Attorney’s General Award of Distinction. 

CTV interview with VSDR's Karly Church on Human Trafficking in Durham Region

Karly Church, Human Trafficking Program Coordinator and Survivor Advocate with Victim Services of Durham Region talks to CTV news about Human Trafficking in Durham Region, signs to look for and where to seek education.

Mother of trafficking victim in Durham says education could have saved her daughter

Since 2018, Durham Region increasingly continues to be a trafficking hotspot. Victim Services of Durham Region reports a 263% increase in referrals this year, and one victim’s mother shares the importance of education, and how it can save individuals from being victims.

Online seminars tackling tough questions about human trafficking in Durham Region

Parents and caregivers are being encouraged to take advantage of free online seminars providing essential information about human trafficking.

Durham seminars aim to help parents spot sex trafficking

Victims Services of Durham Region wants to educate people about sex trafficking and how to prevent it.

They’re holding free monthly virtual seminars about the topic and they’re called the Sex Trafficking Education and Prevention (STEP) program. The next one is happening Thursday, November 24 at 6 p.m.

Sex trafficking survivor a ‘secret weapon’ for police | Karly Church on CBC The National

Karly Church escaped human trafficking, now she works with police through VSDR to help others do the same. 

A human trafficking survivor shares her story | VSDR's Karly Church and Kayla Yama on The Social

The words human trafficking often conjure up images from movies, of people kidnapped abroad, maybe by strangers. But in fact, it's estimated that 15,000 people are trafficking every single year in Canada. Kayla Yama is the clinical director at Victim Services of Durham Region and Karly Church is a human trafficking survivor who now works in collaboration with police in Ontario to help find and support those trapped in the sex trade.

Victim Services of Durham Region educate students on human trafficking

Victim Services of Durham Region provides psycho-social education to every grade 9 class in Durham Region on human trafficking.