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)
For full directory of "How to" listings on different topics, see here
Shelter Intake
For intake to shelters in the region of Halton, call Access Halton at 3-1-1
- Please note: Individuals who are willing to accept support or services from Halton Region will be provided emergency shelter
- unhoused or sleeping outside?
- contact Halton Social and Community Services at [email protected] or 1-866-442-5866
- experiencing a mental health crisis?
- call COAST at 1-877-825-9011
- for more details see here
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The following is an overview of emergency shelters in the Halton Region and surrounding areas
Salvation Army Halton Lighthouse Shelter
- 905-339-2918 or call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
- emergency shelter services for males 16yrs and older
- located in Oakville, shelter may be able to arrange transportation
- for more details see full listing here
Wesley Housing Services - Halton
- call 3-1-1 and ask for referral
- emergency shelter services for youth, single females and families
- intake staff through Wesley will assist in finding temporary housing
- for more details see full listing here
Bridging the Gap
- a voluntary program offered to youth ages 16 to 24 yrs who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless that provides case management support in finding Ontario Works, food, alternative education, work, housing, counselling, financial management, and life skills
- to make a referral, contact a Transitional Youth Worker at 1-877-425-8661 or [email protected], Mon-Fri, 9 am-4:30 pm
- for more details see full listing here
Halton Womens Place
- Emergency Shelter for abused women, their dependent children and pets
- Shelters
- South Halton (Burlington) 905-332-1593
- North Halton (Milton) 905-878-8970
- Crisis Phone
- South Halton (Burlington) 905-332-7892
- North Halton (Milton) 905-878-8555
- administration 905-332-1200
- online chat through HPW Chat
- protects pets from violence through the SafePet Program
- for more details see full listing here
Shifra Homes Maternity Residences
- provides the basic needs of life: shelter, food, clothes, safety and support, to pregnant women 16 to 30 yrs, who need support during their pregnancy
- accommodation, pregnancy counselling, and support services during pregnancy, childbirth and for a period after the birth, for the young women, their babies and family members
- 905-681-9633, [email protected]
- for more details see full listing here
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Emergency Shelter's in Surrounding Regions
ShelterSafe.ca
- an online clickable map that connects women with the nearest shelter
- map provides the shelter's 24 hour phone number and/or website, and information on each shelter's pet policy, wheelchair accessibility, and availability of children's programming
- for more details see full listing here
Hamilton
- to find shelter information call 211
- for more information on shelters in the Hamilton area, see here
Niagara
- call 211 to connect with a local shelter, if all shelter beds are full, ask to be connected with Niagara Assertive Street Outreach for more support
- for more information on shelters in Niagara Region, see here
Peel
- to find shelter information call shelter intake at 905-450-1996
- for more information on shelters in Peel, see here
Wellington County and City of Guelph
- to find shelter information call the Housing and Shelter Prevention and Diversion Line at 226-821-3345
- for more Information on shelters in Wellington County, see here
Toronto
- to find shelter information call the central intake line 1-877-338-3398
- for Street Outreach Services call 311
- for more information on shelters in the City of Toronto, see here
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 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 2M9
The Hub provides assistance to women facing domestic abuse whether emotional, psychological, financial or physical
Supports include:
- support group where women feel safe to interact and share their experiences
- assisting survivors in getting the resources they need
- offering programs and classes to survivors that are culture and age group appropriate
- working with other organizations to help strengthen survivors emotional, social and financial situations
- provides safe sapce in a transitional set up to women escaping IPV and DV in South Asian communities
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
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
- peer support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse
- support groups for family and friends of survivors
Mississauga, ON, L5L 3R6
Counselling and therapy services, and specialized gender-based violence supports to individuals, couples, and families
individual counselling and therapy
trauma-informed approach
modalities may include Solutions Focused Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
couples counselling and therapy
EFT and the Gottman framework of offering couples therapy
family counselling and therapy
Oakville, ON, L6M 3L1
Priority access to rent-geared-to-income (RGI) assistance for social housing
- Special Priority Policy (SPP) ensures housing is not a barrier to leaving situation of family/domestic abuse or trafficking
- administration and delivery of community housing through local Service Managers, including RGI assistance and SPP
- see here for more information
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]
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 3X9
Programs supporting the needs of women and girls in employment, education, community involvement, safety and language development, offering skill-building, employment readiness and violence-prevention supports
Stronger Together - Gender-Based Violence Prevention & Support
- cost-free mental health support
- one-on-one confidential counselling and peer support groups
- trauma-informed services
- customized staff training / community workshops
EmpowHER
- skills development
- employment readiness
- digital and media training
Workforce Pathways for Women in Senior Care (WP4W)
- online skills training
- one-on-one coaching
- job onboarding support
RISE
- supportive counselling
- safety planning
- survivor-led groups
- legal and financial abuse supports
Paving the Way for Immigrant and Racialized Women
- DEIA training
- workplace assessments
Skills for Success in Food Services & Accommodation
- foundational and transferable skills for hospitality careers
Women's Connections and Empowerment Program (WCEP)
- well-being supports
- social connection activities
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
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8
Services include:
- 24-hour crisis line
- free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
- all services confidential
- Trans/ gender diverse positive environment
Public Education
- customized public education workshops are available for elementary and high school students, community members and agencies in Halton
- for more information or to book a free presentation contact [email protected], or visit - savisofhalton.org/public-presentations
Anti-Human Trafficking Services
- Case Workers provide support and assistance to survivors
- for more information, see listing - OAK0170
Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking
- created to raise awareness about human trafficking in Halton and surrounding area
- for more information, see listing - OAK0047
Mississauga, ON, L4Z 3N1
Abuse prevention programs, including one-to-one counselling and therapy groups, intervention and crisis support, education support, South Asian seniors program, violence against women program, Peel elder abuse support program
- Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse, Counselling Services, Employment Services, Partner Assault Response Program, see separate listings
Mississauga, ON, L4Z 3N1
Offers support services and short-term counselling to help survivors deal with the impact of abuse and to develop improved coping strategies
- regional lead agency for Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault - Central
Brampton, ON, L6V 1A2
- individual counselling, advocacy, support groups
- court accompaniment, information and referral
Brampton, ON, L6V 1A2
Community Services
- confidential, culturally appropriate support line, see separate listing
- seasonal tax clinic
- subsidy program with access to housing supports
Children's Programs - 6 years and older
- tutoring program
- social programs
- summer camp
Youth Programs
- youth counselling
- business mentorship - for youth 16-24 who aspired to manage their own business
- advocacy for issues with school
- support for substance abuse issues
- newcomer integration and support
Women
- for Violence Against Women (VAW) services including court accompaniment, individual counselling, and support groups; see separate listing
- entrepreneurial development program
- monthly gender based violence workshops
Men
- individual counselling, anger management
- monthly speaker forum
Families
- family counselling
- support groups, parenting skill support
- wraparound support
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Support services and short-term counselling to help survivors deal with the impact of abuse and to develop improved coping strategies
- partner agency of Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse - Central
Seniors, see separate listing
Volunteer Opportunities
Mississauga, ON
Community Support and Outreach program
- safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, and problem-solving, and assistance in accessing housing and shelter support, and legal and immigration support
Hampers for Hope
- survivors that are part of the Community Support and Outreach program will have access to bi-weekly hampers filled with food and other basic need items
Public Education
- offer programming to community organizations, groups, schools and workplaces on a range of topics connected to gender-based violence
Crisis support line, emergency shelter, and centralized intake for transitional housing (see separate listing)
Center for French speaking women
Services for Victims of Violence and/or Sexual Assault
- individual counselling
- emotional support and accompaniment
Community Programs (for all francophone women)
- sexual assault prevention in primary and secondary schools
- sexual assault prevention within the community
- volunteer opportunities
ÉLAN Program
- employment preparation for all francophone women in search of employment
- computer courses
Brampton, ON, L6T 5P8
Support services including individual crisis counselling to people of all genders who are impacted by sexual violence and human trafficking
Sexual assault centre
- clinical intervention by regulated health professionals; provincially designated Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) for Peel Region
Enhanced Wellness Program (EWP)
- outreach program includes stabilization, case management and system navigation, and support to meet basic and other needs before intensive trauma work
Hope On-Site
- serves youth, people who are homeless, sex workers and other at-risk populations
- coping skills
- social inclusion
- harm reduction supplies
- care kits
- healthy sexuality clinic
Community Support and Outreach
- food pantry including non-perishable goods, fresh produce, personal care, household items, children's supplies
- information and referral
Education
- sexual violence prevention and resiliency building programs in elementary and secondary schools across Peel Region
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
- liaison with diverse communities
- confidential and anonymous
Toronto only: initial assessment and intake for assaulted women's shelters, call 416-863-0511 or toll free 1-866-863-0511
