Muskoka Victim Services

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Bracebridge, ON
Muskoka Victim Services

Working in partnership with Emergency Services and community partners to meet the short term needs of victims of crime or tragedy.

Our account is not monitored 24/7.

07/30/2026

Looking for a new volunteer opportunity?

You can make an incredible impact in your community by becoming a Volunteer Crisis Responder with Muskoka Victim Services.

Have you ever wondered what that impact actually looks like? For Jocelyn, it's been a chance to show up for people in their hardest moments, and to be part of something bigger than herself.

“Volunteering with Muskoka Victim Services has been a deeply meaningful experience for me. I am drawn to the opportunity to support individuals during some of the most difficult moments in their lives, offering compassion, understanding, and a steady presence when it’s needed most.

What I find especially rewarding is being part of a team that prioritizes dignity, respect, and care for every person they serve.

Whether it’s providing emotional support, connecting someone with resources, or simply listening without judgment, I value knowing that even small actions can make a real difference.” - Jocelyn Magee, Volunteer Crisis Responder

This could be the impact you make, too. Learn more about volunteering by emailing [email protected]

📷 Photos of Volunteer Crisis Responders by Ron Jacques

07/22/2026

Are you renting out your property for the summer?

Human trafficking is reaching record numbers in Canada. It's not something we like to think about happening in cottage country, but it does. Traffickers are increasingly using short-term rentals to carry out their activity.

If you own or manage a short-term rental like an Airbnb, you can play an important role in stopping it. The signs of human trafficking can look harmless on their own. But together, they can tell a different story.

Here’s what to watch for:

▼ Frequent use of short-term rentals.

▼ Last-minute bookings – this is a big red flag!

▼ Several bookings that are close to the same time in the same location.

▼ Multiple different people entering and leaving the property.

▼ Individuals that appear to be under the control of another person.

▼ Individuals who dress inappropriately (especially for the weather).

▼ A group of people are picked up from your property, taken somewhere else, then brought back at around the same time every day.

▼ People arriving and departing from your property with minimal luggage not appropriate for the length of the stay.

Never put yourself in harm’s way by approaching a guest if you are concerned. If you think something is suspicious, don’t say or do anything that may put you or your family in danger. Simply call the police immediately and let them handle it.

[Source: Information from “How to Help Stop Human Trafficking: Tips for Short-Term Rental Owners,” prepared by the Joy Smith Foundation, Ontario Provincial Police, Crime Stoppers of Simcoe Dufferin Muskoka, and Muskoka Victim Services.]

07/13/2026

If you are a survivor of domestic violence who is going through the family court process, we can help you.

We understand how overwhelming this time can be for you and your family. Our Family Court Support services can support you with preparing for family court proceedings and planning for safety. We can also make referrals to supports in our community.

Our services are:

💙 Judgement-Free
💙 Gender Neutral
💙 Confidential
💙 Supportive
💙 Inclusive

We are here to stand beside you and support you through this process.

If you would like to learn more about our Family Court Support services, please reach out. We can connect online or in person for a no-obligation meeting.

Contact our Family Court Support Worker, Michelle Whaley, at [email protected] or call 1-844-762-9945.

07/06/2026

Did you know injury is the #1 cause of death of Canadians ages 1 to 44?

Most of the injuries that occur in Canada are preventable. Canadian Injury Prevention Day is a day to raise awareness about the importance of injury prevention through education and advocacy.

We must take action to create a Canada free from serious injuries and deaths. Learn more about how we can do this by visiting parachute.ca/cipd

06/29/2026

School's out, the sun is shining, and the water is calling!

Each year in Ontario, water-related tragedies take the lives of around 160 people. This summer, let’s make every splash a safe one. Here's what you need to know before you head out.

💦 Water Safety Tips for Kids & Families

• Stay within arm’s reach of children under five.

• Actively supervise children and non-swimmers at all times.

• Always swim with a buddy.

• Do not consume alcohol while swimming or boating.

• Always wear a lifejacket when you are in a boat.

• Enroll children in swimming lessons.

• Swim in areas that are supervised by lifeguards.

💦 Water Safety Tips for Older Adults

• Always swim and boat with a buddy.

• Do not drink alcohol while swimming or operating a boat.

• Wear a lifejacket every time you are in a boat.

• Check with your doctor or pharmacist to understand how medications may affect your swimming ability or endurance.

• Know your physical limits, as age and health can impact your ability to swim safely.

Information adapted from Lifesaving Society. Learn more at http://lifesavingsociety.com

06/18/2026

Come out to F**t Gym's Open House & Strength Club Games! 🏋️

On June 27, F**T Gym and Personal Training is hosting a day of fun that includes live demos, strength challenges, prizes, and more! A portion of all proceeds from the day will support Muskoka Victim Services.

We are grateful to F**t Gym for choosing Muskoka Victim Services as its charity of choice for its Open House this year. Funds raised from the event will support victims with on-site crisis assistance, emergency shelter, transportation, and other basic needs.

📅 June 27, from 10 am to 3 pm
📍68 West Road, Huntsville

06/16/2026

With June being Seniors Month, we want to raise awareness about elder abuse happening in our province and communities. Over 200,000 older adults in Ontario are experiencing or at risk of elder abuse.

There’s a common assumption that elder abuse is physical abuse. In reality, elder abuse comes in many forms where there is an imbalance of control. The abuse is usually a recurring event.

Some forms of elder abuse include:

🔹Neglect
When the older person’s physical and mental health needs are not met, such as failing to assist them with their daily activities, denying access to medical services, or abandonment.

🔹Psychological Abuse
Intended to diminish a person’s sense of self-worth and identity, such as making threats or hurtful comments, withholding affection, or preventing them from socializing with others.

🔹Financial Abuse
Where improper financial conduct results in monetary loss for the older person, such as misusing their funds, forging signatures on documents, or denying access or control of financial assets.

🔹Sexual Abuse
When the older person does not have full knowledge or consent of the sexual behaviour directed toward them, such as inappropriate touching, unwanted sexual contact, or fondling.

🔹Physical Abuse
Where violence occurs and causes physical discomfort or injury, such as pushing, shaking, or spitting at the older person.

Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario works with many local area Elder Abuse Networks across Ontario to prevent elder abuse. The organization has a wealth of information and resources, including a webinar archive with topics such as how to end economic and financial abuse in intimate partner relationships, and an ageism awareness toolkit.

Learn more by visiting www.eapon.ca

06/11/2026

Why do we need a Pride Month?

Because everyone deserves to be respected for who they are, without discrimination, judgment, or fear. But this isn’t the reality.

Hate crimes motivated by a person’s sexual orientation increased by 388% from 2016 to 2023*. And this number only reflects hate crimes reported to police. We know many of them go unreported.

As a community, we can make Muskoka safer for 2SLGTBQIA+ community members. We can do this by…

📣 Speaking out when we hear someone making homophobic or transphobic comments, when it is safe to do so. By speaking up against discrimination, we help to build safer, more inclusive spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.

🏳️‍🌈 Supporting local organizations like Muskoka Pride that are challenging heterosexism and 2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination through inclusive events and initiatives.

✊🏼Showing up and standing by 2SLGBTQIA+ community members by being an ally, such as attending the Muskoka Pride Parade on July 26.

[Source: “Police-reported hate crime statistics in Canada, 2023” Statistics Canada. 2024.]

06/10/2026

Think you have what it takes? 💪

F**T Gym and Personal Training is hosting the Strength Club Games on June 27, and a portion of all proceeds will support Muskoka Victim Services!

The event is open to the entire community, whether or not you’re a member of F**t Gym. Prizes will be awarded to teams that compete in the Deadlift Competition and AMRAP Round (as many reps as possible).

Find out more about this fun community event by scanning the QR code or visiting the link here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9mOgVWmnf5OPaqoVL5IPVGYfMx767G4qlyaHrnaFQGhDV3w/viewform

06/04/2026

Meet Jim, one of our Volunteer Crisis Responders.

Jim has volunteered with Muskoka Victim Services for years, and we are grateful to have someone who cares so much for others on our team.

We’re always looking for people like Jim to join our team and support people in our Muskoka communities. Learn more about becoming a Volunteer Crisis Responder by visiting muskokavs.ca/volunteer or by emailing [email protected].

Address

29 Manitoba Street
Bracebridge, ON
P1L1T8

Telephone

1-844-762-9945

Website

http://www.muskokavs.ca/

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