DVERS
Domestic Violence Emergency Response System

Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) responds to a domestic violence call every two hours. This totalled 4,800 calls last year – a 15% increase from 2004! Our Region has also seen a 25% increase in the number of women seeking shelter. Clearly a proactive, preventative approach to responding to domestic violence is long overdue.

In response to these alarming numbers, WRPS has established a Domestic Violence Unit with fourteen officers assigned to investigations. This is where the Domestic Violence Emergency Response System (DVERS) comes in. With the addition of DVERS, (proven effective in many cities across Canada and the US), our Region now exceeds the Provincial standard and create one of the most comprehensive, seamless service responses to victims of domestic violence and criminal harassment.

• Enhances safety and protection of partners and children
• Reduces recurrence of repeat violence
• Dedicated professional works with “high risk families”
• Personal alarms provide safer home environments
• Partnership with WRPS and local security system service
• Facilitates relocation of “highest risk” cases

ACCESS
Awareness, Community, Confidentiality, Education, Safety Planning, Support

ACCESS is a clearinghouse of community resources and self-help literature that address the needs of victims of crime and tragedy. This includes proactive resources for individuals and workplaces looking for assistance in areas such as harassment, violence and policy development.

The ACCESS Program involves:
• Helping victims access advice and treatment
• Working with community agencies to provide one stop shopping for critical information
• Web links for local, provincial and national agencies
• Workplace resources for policy development on violence, employee screening, etc.
• Collaborative efforts provide speakers on a variety of victimization issues
• Effectively marketing and promoting “vital” community resources

In order to fund these services, we are seeking community support for the first time in our history. We invite you to help us reach our goal to pilot and implement the DVERS and ACCESS programs.

Project Budget

EXPENSES

DVERS
Professional Counselor                                          $ 22,000
Professional Development                                     $   3,000
Marketing and Promotions                                      $  2,500
Program Resources (Brochures, Manuals)                $  2,000
Client Package (Partner, Children)                          $  1,500
Administration                                                       $  2,000
Alarm Systems                                                      $  6,000
Cell Phones                                                           $  8,000
Web Site Development                                           $  1,500
Total DVERS                                                         $ 48,500

ACCESS
Printing (Brochures)                                              $   8,000
Display Racks                                                       $   2,000
Marketing and Promotions                                      $   3,000
Administration                                                       $   3,500
Web Site Development                                           $   1,500
Total ACCESS                                                        $ 18,000

CAMPAIGN
Professional Fundraiser                                           $ 30,000
Administration                                                        $  3,000
Office Expense                                                       $     500
Special Event                                                         $  2,500
Travel                                                                   $     500
Recognition                                                            $  1,500
Total Campaign                                                     $ 38,000

TOTAL PROJECT EXPENSES                               $104,500