Counselling for Victims of Sexual
Exploitation on the Internet

Why do I need it?

Most kids use the Internet these days, to play games, learn, to keep in touch with friends and to make new ones through chat rooms. But for some, the fun can turn into a nightmare: they become the victims of sexual exploitation on the Internet.

Sometimes kids are abused by someone they know. At first, some victims don’t realize or don’t want to admit that they’ve been abused. But once they do, it can be pretty tough to deal with. If you’re a victim, you can get help now!

The Ontario Victim Services Secretariat at the Ministry of the Attorney General has a special program to pay for counselling for young victims of sexual exploitation on the Internet who were under the age of 18 when the crime took place. The program also offers help to family members.

How does it work?

If you are a victim, you can be referred to the program – it’s called the Internet Child Exploitation Counselling Program – by someone you trust, maybe a teacher, police officer or victim services worker. Or you can call to ask for help on your own. The phone numbers are (416) 326-2430 or (416) 235-3615.

The coordinator who answers your call will help you find counsellors in your community. The counsellor you choose will be paid directly by the program once your appointments start.

Victims can apply for coverage up to $1,500. Members of the victim’s family may also apply, to a limit of $800.

Who is eligible?

If you are a victim, or a member of the victim’s immediate family, and you need counselling services right away, you can use the program if you do not have other benefits, such as insurance or publicly funded community services. Your main residence must be in Ontario and the services must be provided within Ontario. The program is currently funded until March 31, 2009.

Who can apply?

Victims and members of their immediate families can apply to the program.

That includes:

Birth mother or father
Stepmother or stepfather
Adoptive mother or father
Custodial guardian
Birth sister or brother
Stepsister or stepbrother
Adoptive sister or brother

How do I find out more, or refer someone who needs help?

To find out more about the program, or to make a referral, contact:

Internet Child Exploitation Counselling Program Coordinator Ontario Victim Services Secretariat.
18 King Street East
7th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5C 1C4