Searching for Victims Of Abuse Support Programs

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

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

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]

Crime Stoppers of Halton

• 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

Distress Centre Halton

• 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)

EFry Hope and Help for Women

• 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

Halton Women's Place

• 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)

Access 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

Joseph Brant Hospital

• 905-632-3737

Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital

• 905-845-2571

Milton District Hospital

• 905-878-2383

Georgetown Hospital

• 905-873-0111

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Support for people younger than 18 or dependents younger than 18

Halton Children's Aid Society

• 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

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

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

Safety Zone Program

A 12-week group education and counselling program on intimate partner violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• survivors/partners of the offender are provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on the offender's progress

The program helps participants to:

• take full responsibility for their behaviour
• understand the effects of their behaviour on their partner and their children
• identify and change attitudes that lead to abusive behaviour

There are separate programs for men and women:

• groups are offered online
• men can join the online program from the Burlington office, if required
• individual sessions are provided for those with same sex-partners

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

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

Safety Zone Program

Provides compassionate support to individuals affected by crime or traumatic events through crisis intervention, emotional support, safety planning and referrals to community and government services

Crisis Intervention

• offers 24/7 on-scene crisis intervention (police-referred)
• provides needs assessment and safety planning
• offers emotional support and referrals to counselling, community and government programs

Sexual Assault Support

• acts as the first point of contact for survivors wishing to disclose sexual violence
• meets with survivors in person or by phone to review the Sexual Assault Information Guide
• provides information on reporting options, investigative processes, court processes, coping strategies, financial supports and community resources

Missing Person Resources

• directs families and service providers to the Canadian Centre for Information on Missing Adults for information and support

Mobile Tracking System

• provides a GPS personal alarm to individuals identified as at risk of further violence
• supports safety planning in partnership with the Intimate Partner Violence Unit
• promotes a coordinated, victim-centred community response

Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)

• supports eligible victims of violent crime with emergency financial assistance
• for more information, see here

Vulnerable Person Registry

• allows caregivers to register vulnerable individuals to help police respond more effectively in emergencies
• for more information, see here

Facility Dog - Journey

• accredited facility dog available upon request to provide comfort and support to victims and survivors
• assists individuals during traumatic events or when speaking to police about sensitive situations

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

• health care system navigation
• assistance in filling out required forms or providing information required to access most appropriate services such as housing, financial support, etc.
• dealing with elder abuse/hoarding issues
• referrals to mental health agencies
• linking to support and services
• coordination of services with other agencies

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]

The Elder Abuse Enquiries / Reporting service provides information, assistance and police response for seniors experiencing abuse, neglect or safety concerns in Halton Region

• responds to reports of elder abuse, including physical harm, neglect, medication misuse, financial exploitation and psychological mistreatment
• offers information to help protect seniors and encourages older adults and their loved ones to contact police when abuse or safety concerns arise
• provides guidance on recognizing possible signs of elder abuse such as unexplained injuries, fear or withdrawal, poor hygiene, malnutrition or unusual financial activity
• connects callers to additional support such as the Senior Safety Line for confidential advice

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

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

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

Safety Zone Program

Anti-Human Trafficking Case Workers provide support and assistance to survivors of human trafficking. Services include:

• crisis intervention
• assistance in navigating emergency housing
• basic needs
• emotional support
• advocacy & accompaniment
• safety planning and/or risk assessment
• supportive counselling
• practical assistance for transportation & service accessibility
• system navigation and housing supports
• life skills and mentorship

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

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
  
  
  

• individual counselling, advocacy, support groups
• court accompaniment, information and referral

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)

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

Child, Youth and Parenting - counsellors support parents and families dealing with cultural and and intergenerational conflict by providing positive parenting strategies and helping families understand the range of supports available

• crisis intervention and risk assessment
• cultural and intergenerational conflict support
• youth mental health - dealing with anxiety and stress, identifying abusive behaviors and healthy versus unhealthy relationships
• support to parents involved in child protection, education, youth justice and family court systems
• coping strategies for families dealing with separation, divorce, co-parenting or parenting in blended families

Community Mental Health Support

• assists clients in achieving their individual support plans and goals
• supports clients and their families in their recovery journey
• advocates with landlords, hospitals, psychiatrists and others on clients' behalf
• assists in developing skills to improve quality of life, resolve day-to-day conflicts, manage setbacks and increase independence and housing stability

Family Court Support Services

• facilitates understanding of family court system by debriefing outcome of court appearances and appointments with lawyers
• access to free legal clinics and consultations
• supports filing documents in person and virtually - Commissioner of Oaths
• conducts risk assessments and helps develop safety plans
• provides assistance in documenting the history of abuse
• accompanying and supporting clients during court proceedings where appropriate

ACES Program for Women (Advocacy, Counselling, Empowerment & Safety)

• crisis intervention, counselling and risk assessment
• safety planning and transitional support
• women's groups to support health and wellness
• assistance with legal issues and advocacy
• support groups for women and children who have witnessed abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network

Saath: Supporting South Asian Families

• crisis intervention, counselling and risk assessment
• safety planning and transitional support
• women's groups to support health and wellness
• assistance with legal issues and advocacy
• support groups for women and children who have witnessed abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network

Saath Plus

• expansion of Saath Program to meet need for children to have increased safety, security and sense of belonging in their family homes; in partnership with Peel Children's Aid Society
• some parents may be temporarily unable to safely care for their children; in such situations, Peel Children's Aid Society may turn to kin providers who can care for children
• aims to connect with kin provider networks to discuss challenges around kinship, child protection and parenting and to share appropriate tools and resources to families
• offers support and resources to these families to keep the children with their extended kin providers until reunification with parents so children stay connected to their origins, including culture, language, and family values

• supportive counselling for parents and families dealing with cultural and inter-generational conflict- culturally and linguistically responsive
• positive parenting strategies and helps families understand the range of supports available
• crisis intervention and risk assessment, system navigational support, linkages to resources for youth and families
• support in areas such as challenges or conflict over social norms, family violence/breakdown, mental health, developmental disability, dealing with anxiety and stress, identifying abusive behaviours and healthy versus unhealthy relationships, coping strategies for families dealing with separation, divorce, co-parenting or parenting in blended families

• Housing and Support in Peel (HASP) in partnership with Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP) delivers housing support services to clients residing in SHIP units including case management, service coordination, and person-centred centered support planning
• advocates with landlords, hospitals, psychiatrists
• skills development to improve quality of life, resolve day to day conflicts, manage setbacks and increase independence and housing stability

• support to victims of domestic violence navigating the family court system
• helps clients understand their rights and to make informed decisions on matters related to custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property and assets
• helps clients to understand and navigate court appearances and lawyer appointments; safety planning and risk assessments
• assistance documenting the history of abuse
• court accompaniment where appropriate

• culturally sensitive counselling for women who are victims of domestic/family violence and abuse
• crisis intervention, counselling, risk assessment, safety planning, transitional support, educational workshops, assistance with legal issues and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• women's groups to support health and wellness
• support groups for women and children who have witnessed partner abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network
• French service through partners OASIS or La Maison d'Hébergement (see separate listing)