For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
- for Emergency Shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see listing BTN4778
- for 24/7 Crisis & Distress Services serving Halton, see listing BTN2466
- for Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting, see listing BTN0483
- for Suspected Human Trafficking or Sexual Exploitation, see listing OAK9163
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This is a general overview of 24/7 Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence crisis resources, serving Halton region
Assaulted Women's Helpline
- 1-866-863-0511, or text #SAFE (#7233)
- provincial telephone and online chat crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services, as well as culturally appropriate resources for women who have experienced abuse
- ages 16 and up
- see listing MET5691
EFry Hope and Help for Women
- 416-312-6938
- Female Mobile Support (FMS) for female youth 12-24 who have been involved, are still involved or at risk of sexual exploitation
- support and services including housing, life skills, counseling, medical care, mentoring and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
- see listing PEL0689
Fem'aide
- 1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)
- a provincial telephone helpline for Francophone women dealing with violence
- crisis intervention, support and referral to community agencies
- see listing MET4619
Halton Womens Place
- South Halton crisis line, 905-332-7892
- North Halton crisis line, 905-878-8555
- Online Chat
- emergency shelter, crisis services and support to physically, sexually, financially and emotionally abused women and their dependent children
- see listing BTN2544
Nina's Place: Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Care Centre
- 905-632-3737 ext 5708
- the regional sexual assault and domestic violence care centre of Halton that provides comprehensive, trauma-specific care and treatment
- See listing BTN4365
Ontario Network of Sexual Assault / Domestic Violence Treatment Centres
- 1-855-628-7238
- 24-hour telephone line available to assist victims/survivors and service providers with service navigation
- See listing MET1757
SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)
- crisis line, 905-875-1555
- for all survivors of violence ages 16 and up
- free, confidential, non-judgmental, support and counselling services for all survivors of violence, as well as for the support people of survivors
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- see listing OAK2741
Seniors Safety Line
- 1-866-299-1011
- crisis and support line, includes emotional support, safety planning and information and referrals
- see listing MET5690
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Program
- 1-866-887-0015
- multilingual support service for male survivors of sexual abuse, both recent and historical, and their family and friends
- Information and referral to community support services to meet long term needs including crisis and follow-up services
- see listing MET1911
Talk for Healing
- 1-855-554-4325
- culturally appropriate counselling services to Indigenous women by Indigenous women, via telephone, text, or online chat
- see listing IMP0327
Victim Support Line
- 1-888-579-2888
- multilingual Victim Support Line provides information and referrals for victims of crime, to supports and services that are available in their community
- chat online
- see listing MET5466
- Administration 905-332-1200
- North Shelter (Milton and Halton Hills) 905-878-8970
- South Shelter (Burlington and Oakville) 905-332-1593
For national online directory of shelters for women experiencing abuse, see sheltersafe.ca
Major Services:
- 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
- HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a trained Violence Against Women Counsellor
- safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for abused women and their dependent children
- individual and/or supportive group counselling at the shelter
- community agency information and referral when necessary
- court support for interim custody and restraining orders
- children's services
- emergency transportation to shelter, if necessary
- depart planning
- SafePet Program
- advocacy and public education around ending violence against women
- transitional housing - helps facilitate housing opportunities for women and children as they journey forward towards a life free from violence and abuse
- accepts donations of goods for those in the shelter and those moving from the shelter to permanent housing (see list of needs here)
Family Court Support Worker Program
Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the familly court system.
Support provided includes:
- information on the family court process
- assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- debriefing with clients following family court appearances
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
Schools programs
- EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 4-week program led by a male facilitator that guides male students through discussion around popular and sports culture, through a gender lens, and discusses what 'healthy masculinity' means, wrapping up by planning an experiential or service learning initiative (participants may receive up to 15 volunteer hours toward their Community Involvement requirement)
You Must Report Child Abuse or Neglect
In Ontario, everyone, including members of the public and professionals, is required by law to report suspected child abuse or neglect
- The duty to report applies to any child who is, or appears to be, under 16 years old
- If you have reasonable grounds to suspect that a child may be in need of protection, you must report it right away
- You do not need proof, if you are concerned, it is okay to call
HOW TO REPORT
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 right away
Report to Halton Children's Aid Society (CAS)
- 905-333-4441
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If the situation is urgent and you cannot reach Children's Aid, contact Halton Regional Police Service
- 905-825-4777 ext. 8970
WHAT TO KNOW
- Reporting includes concerns about children who may be at risk of abuse or neglect in their own homes or elsewhere
- The Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) exists to help protect children and support their safety and well-being
- Reports can be made anonymously
- The "Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: It's Your Duty" brochure explains the duty to report and answers common questions
- If you have questions about a specific situation, you can contact a Children's Aid Society or a lawyer
For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
If you witness or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking or sexual exploitation, or if a victim comes to you, there are agencies in Halton Region that offer help and support services:
For all emergencies, please call 911
Reporting to Police
Halton Regional Police Service
- HRPS Drug and Human Trafficking Unit, non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 5331 or email [email protected]
- 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
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Crisis Support & Counselling
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 24/7 crisis line 905-875-1555
- Anti-Human Trafficking Services 905-825-3622
- 24/7 distress line Oakville 905-849-4541, Burlington 905-681-1488, North Halton 905-877-1211
COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)
- 24/7 crisis line 1-877-825-9011
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
- 24/7 helpline 1-833-900-1010
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Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers
Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)
- 905-825-3622 (after hours call crisis line 905-875-1555)
- 905-624-1755 (after hours call Female Mobile Support 905-459-1315 ext 250)
Restorations Second Stage Homes
- 905-962-7378
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Emergency Shelter and Practical Assistance
- 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)
- call 3-1-1
- emergency shelter intake and referral to Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter (men) or Wesley Housing Services - Halton (women and families)
Halton Regional Police Service - Victim Services
- 905-825-4777 ext 5239
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Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse) & Hospital Emergency Rooms
Nina's Place (located at Joseph Brant Hospital)
- 905-336-4116
- Halton Region's only sexual assault and domestic violence care centre
- 905-632-3737
Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital
- 905-845-2571
- 905-878-2383
- 905-873-0111
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Support for people younger than 18 or dependents younger than 18
- 24/7 helpline 905-333-4441
Halton Regional Police Service - Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau
- 24/7 non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 8970
Internet Child Exploitation Counselling Program (ICE)
- 1-866-264-8900, Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12 noon, 1 pm-4:30 pm
- referrals to short-term counselling
Milton, ON, L9T 1Y7
Satellite court located in Burlington. Please contact the Milton VWAP Office for more information on location and hours
Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process.
Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over.
Services include:
- information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
- needs assessment and referrals to community agencies, including Indigenous and other culturally specific agencies
- crisis intervention, trauma informed support, victim advocacy
- facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
- arrange for interpreters and accessibility accommodations
- information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
- facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
- debriefing and follow-up support
Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund (VVFF) -- Helps support victims of crime, including families of homicide victims and motor vehicle fatalities resulting in criminal charges, to participate more fully in the criminal court process by providing financial assistance and court-based supports for:
- travel to attend key court dates
- language interpretation services
- special accomodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
- basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending court
Milton, ON, L9T 4Z9
A Christian organization which provides community programming and Christian teaching for both children and adults
Community Services include:
- Food bank
- Spiritual supports
- subsidized Summer Day Camp
- youth programs
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), providing one time help with those struggling to pay their hydro arrears
- diaper voucher program (in partnership with MCRC Infant Food Bank
- Christmas Toy assistance
Milton, ON, L9T 4X5
A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process
- 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
- free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
- group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
- separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
Milton, ON, L9T 4X5
Offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner
- available in-person, by video or phone
Individual counselling:
- individual counselling and therapy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each woman
- information on abuse, safety planning and community resources is also available
- services are free of charge and offered in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown
Education and support groups:
- eight week group provides an opportunity to decrease isolation and to gain insight into the experience and impact of living with abuse and control
- group is offered frequently, day and evening groups are available
Milton, ON, L9T 4X5
Professional counsellors/therapists offer individuals, couples and families hope, comfort and guidance when faced with the challenges of life
Programs and services include:
- individual, couple and family counselling - available to residents of Halton Region who need assistance in coping with life's challenges
- Violence Against Women Program - offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced verbal, emotional, physical, sexual and/or financial abuse in their spousal, common law and/or dating relationships
- Partner Abuse Response Program - a 12-week educational & counselling group program for people who have used abusive behaviours with their partners
- Supervised Parenting Time Program - provides a child friendly, safe, neutral place for non-custodial parents to visit their children with supervision provided throughout their visit
- The Safety Zone - provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
For a complete description of Thrive Counselling services see this listing
- not all services listed are available at this location
Other offices in Halton include:
Milton, ON, L9T 1P5
Services include:
Adoption/Adoption Disclosure
- recruitment, assessment, support, pre- and post-counselling to adoptive parents
- match children and youth with adoptive parents
- provide adoption disclosure information and counselling to adopted persons over 18 years of age and their birth parents
Child Protection
- mandated by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) to protect children from abuse and neglect
- provide emergency after hours service for children and youth who are at risk
Community-based Services
- workers co-located in various community locations, e.g., schools, counselling agencies, the Halton Regional Police Service, to provide protection services to at-risk children and youth
Connecting Youth to the Community
- life skills programs to assist youth in the transition to independent living
Family Support
- assessment and supportive services to parents to maintain children and youth in their homes and when children and youth come into care, which expedites their return home
- supervise access for children, youth and their families, when required
Foster Care
- recruit, train and support resource parents
- match children and youth to appropriate placements
Fundraising
- for programs and services not covered by government funding that help the children and youth served by the Society
Volunteer Programs
- special events volunteers, summer camp volunteers, mentors/special friends, seasonal, Food for Life volunteer, volunteer drivers
For resources, including guidelines on what age a child can be left alone or for babysitting another child, see resources here
There is also a South Halton/Head office in Burlington
Georgetown, ON, L7G 4Y5
- Food Bank operations Tue and Thu, 10 am-12 noon by appointment only
- Emergency Services Response will be in operation where required from our Regional Office as required
- phone calls to local office will be accepted in this regard
Provides emergency assistance to those in need in many different ways:
- food assistance
- clothing
- temporary shelter
- pastoral counselling
- information about and referral to other agencies
- community services (Eg. camping services, Christmas assistance, etc)
- emergency disaster services (operated Regionally)
Oakville, ON, L6M 0L8
Services include:
- psychiatric assessment and treatment
- medication and symptom management
- case management, group and individual counselling
- education about symptoms and treatments
- relapse prevention planning and strategies
- collaboration and referral to community partners
- family/caretaker education and support
Oakville, ON, L6M 0L8
Services include:
- individual and group therapy for people experiencing depression and anxiety disorders
- evidence-based models such as Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness CBT
Georgetown, ON, L7G 4B5
A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process
- 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
- free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
- group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
- separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
Georgetown, ON, L7G 4B5
Offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner
- available in-person, by video or phone
Individual counselling:
- individual counselling and therapy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each woman
- information on abuse, safety planning and community resources is also available
- services are free of charge and offered in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown
Education and support groups:
- eight week group provides an opportunity to decrease isolation and to gain insight into the experience and impact of living with abuse and control
- group is offered frequently, day and evening groups are available
Georgetown, ON, L7G 4B5
Professional counsellors/therapists offer individuals, couples and families hope, comfort and guidance when faced with the challenges of life
Programs and services include:
- individual, couple and family counselling - available to residents of Halton Region who need assistance in coping with life's challenges
- Violence Against Women Program - offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced verbal, emotional, physical, sexual and/or financial abuse in their spousal, common law and/or dating relationships
- Partner Abuse Response Program - a 12-week educational & counselling group program for people who have used abusive behaviours with their partners
For a complete description of Thrive Counselling services see this listing
- not all services listed are available at this location
Other offices in Halton include:
905-825-4810 or 905-825-4777 ext 5239
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- program of last resort providing short-term assistance to victims/survivors to increase immediate safety and lessen the impact of a violent crime by offering:
- financial assistance for crime scene clean-up, transportation, and counselling services, including traditional Indigenous health services
- also offers enhanced supports for victims/survivors of human trafficking, victims/survivors of serious injuries, and families affected by homicide
- additional aid may be offered to victims of human trafficking may include storage lockers, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
Non-emergency 905-825-4747 ext 8970
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
The Child Abuse and Sexual Assault (CASA) Unit investigates all reported cases of sexual assault and child abuse in Halton Region, ensuring victims and survivors are treated with dignity, respect and a trauma-informed approach
- responds to reports of sexual assault, regardless of when the incident occurred, and supports victims of any age or gender
- investigates child abuse cases involving serious injury, prior victimization, or suspects previously investigated for abuse
- provides information to victims about reporting options, consent, and the investigative process
- works closely with Halton Children's Aid Society when child abuse or neglect is suspected or reported
- encourages anyone in immediate danger to call 9-1-1 and supports access to community resources such as crisis lines and women's shelters
905-693-4270
Milton, ON, L9T 2J4
Programs and services include:
Case Management Services
- Transitional Case Management Program assists individuals who are experiencing significant mental health concerns by providing service coordination, care planning, skill development and supportive counselling to support recovery
- Dual Diagnosis Case Management Program: for people who have both a mental health concern and developmental disorder * length of service ranges from 6-9 months
- Community Concurrent Disorders Program offers integrated care to individuals experiencing mental health and substance use concerns * support may include case management, psychotherapy, and access to a Registered Nurse
- Justice Services: providing assistance and court support services for people who have a mental health/addiction concern and are involved in the criminal justice system
Information and Referral Services
- provides information on mental health, substance use, and addiction service information
- direction on finding the right provider
- support in completing referral information
Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COAST)
- provides telephone support and mobile intervention to persons who are in crisis and have a mental health concern
- offer a range of training courses, groups, webinars, workshops, and services to promote positive health and create a supportive community
Counselling/Treatment Services
- free call-in counselling: single session counselling available over the phone, video platform and in-person for individuals aged 16+ * call 289-291-5396 to schedule an appointment
- Ontario Structured Psychotherapy offers evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and related approaches for individuals 18 years of age and older to help manage depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions such as panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive concerns, post-traumatic stress and specific fears
Groups and Workshops
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)-based skills groups and workshops: Develop skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness
- AFFIRM: Group focused on developing new skills, meeting new people, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression for LGBTQ2S+ youth and adults
- Structured Relapse Prevention (SRP): for clients with moderate to severe substance use concerns looking to work towards changing alcohol/drug use, and learn how to cope with daily substance use triggers, cravings and risk situations
Peer Support Services
- virtual peer support groups * weekly drop-in groups
- caregiver support * Family Matters Program can help with workshops and one-on-one support * email [email protected]
Oakville: 905-849-4541 * Burlington: 905-681-1488 * Halton Hills/Milton: 905-877-1211 * Hamilton: 905-561-5800
Registered charity that supports people in the community to better cope with crisis, loneliness, and emotional stress * provides telephone support on the Distress Line 365 days a year
- all services are confidential, anonymous, free and available to all age groups
- staffed by volunteers who receive extensive training including communication, sensitivity, crisis management and active listening
Distress Line
- listening, befriending and crisis intervention by telephone
TeleCheck
- provides phone support and friendly check-ins for individuals facing isolation or emotional and mental health challenges
- for anyone 18 years of age and over, with focus on students experiencing mental health struggles
- for TeleCheck inquiries, email [email protected] and for application, visit https://www.dchalton.ca/telecheckapplication
Speaking Engagements
- available to speak with a club, class, or group about the services provided by the agency or to teach courses on active listening skills, de-escalation techniques, and mental health in general
Distress Line volunteer opportunities available * must meet certain criteria and attend all mandatory training sessions * call to inquire or email [email protected]
Acton, ON, L7J 1H8
Services offered by appointment only
Community social services include:
- individual assistance for families struggling to meet basic daily needs
- Christmas Hamper Program
Oakville, ON, L6K 3V3
Community legal clinic that helps low-income individuals living in Halton with their legal problems, for free.
- Office is located in Oakville, but staff are available to meet clients in Milton, Burlington, and Halton Hills (Georgetown and Acton) as well.
Depending on the kind of problem, HCLS could help by providing:
- Summary Advice
- Brief Services
- Representation
- Referrals for legal problems they cannot assist with and to other community organizations like food banks, social and health services, crisis intervention agencies, and navigation help.
Support can be provided for:
- Income Support and Public Benefits (OW, ODSP, CPP-D, and other programs)
- Housing Law
- Employment Rights
- Human Rights
- Indigenous Rights and Services
- Youth Rights
Other Services
North Halton Mobile Legal Clinic
- Provides North Halton with weekly access to free legal services through a Mobile Outreach Clinic.
- Every Friday, alternating between Georgetown and Acton, a lawyer or paralegal from HCLS is in the area from 10 am-3:30 pm
- Visit website for full schedule and locations.
Community Outreach Clinic
- Community outreach clinics are available at various locations including local libraries, food banks, and outreach organizations on a rotating basis
- Visit website for upcoming clinic locations and times
ID Clinic
- HCLS offers an ID Clinic to members of the Trans, Non-Binary, and Queer communities in overcoming the legal barriers to accurately identify themselves on official documents
- The ID Clinic provides assistance with this process and helps with commissioning documents
- If you have questions or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact by phone or fill out the contact form found here
Legal Health Check-Up
- An online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
- If you do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, or social and health support, your legal health may be at risk
- Take the check-up today: www.legalhealthcheckup.ca
Secondary Legal Consultation
- Service providers can contact HCLS directly to talk about their client's problems and find solutions
- For more information, visit website
Note:
- HCLS does not provide a full range of services, nor does it provide legal aid certificates
- Callers needing certificates or help in family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board compensation, etc. should contact a Legal Aid of Ontario office
Oakville, ON, L6K 3W6
A community group which aims to develop a model of Canadian Muslim Community that merges the faith with the challenges of modernity
- offers programs designed to enrich the faith, intellectual and personal development, general life skills of individuals and families
- strives to preserve Arabic language with classes for Arabic and non-Arabic speakers
- creates partnerships and cooperation with other associations for the benefit of Dar community and Canadian society at large
- Quran classes
- DAR Quran Teaching Islamic Studies for youth
Programs include:
Daily Prayers
DAR Food Program
- a food bank for the needy and new immigrants every week
- for more information, see listing (OAK0010)
Salam Neighbor
- main objective is to create events throughout Halton to unite People of Faith
- demonstrating how different cultures, religions & perspectives could all live & be under one roof
Muslim Match
- goal is to help sincere and serious Muslims to form an Islamic family
Family Consultation
- family consultants offer guidance to strengthen family relationships
Oakville, ON, L6K 3R9
A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process
- 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
- free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
- group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
- separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
Oakville, ON, L6K 3R9
Offers individual and group counselling for women who have experienced emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse by a partner
- available in-person, by video or phone
Individual counselling:
- individual counselling and therapy services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each woman
- information on abuse, safety planning and community resources is also available
- services are free of charge and offered in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Georgetown
Education and support groups:
- eight week group provides an opportunity to decrease isolation and to gain insight into the experience and impact of living with abuse and control
- group is offered frequently, day and evening groups are available
