- 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
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)
_________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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
_________________________________________________________
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 4X5
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
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
905-825-4777 ext 5239
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
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
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
Brampton, ON, L6W 4S8
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
- crisis intervention, emotional 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
- 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 -- Helps support victims of violent crime, families of homicide victims and families of motor vehicle fatalities 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 accommodations for victims with disabilities, such as real-time captioning
- basic necessities for victims of human trafficking or gun and gang violence while attending for court
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8
A free legal clinic with volunteer lawyers from across Halton Region, on a rotating schedule, in the following areas:
- family law
- immigration law
- criminal law
Free legal advocacy workers offer emotional and practical support navigating the family law and court system
Document Commissioning
- Commissioning of Affidavits: authorized to take affidavits for court proceedings, property declarations, and other legal necessities within Ontario courts
- Oath Commissioning: professional in-office service ensuring declarations and affidavits meet all legal requirements for Ontario courts
- Please Note: does not provide identity document certification or notarization services
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8
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
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
Brampton, ON, L6V 1A2
- individual counselling, advocacy, support groups
- court accompaniment, information and referral
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, L6X 0Z9
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
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3C4
Settlement Services
Assistance to newcomers to transition to life in Canada by providing personalized support, practical resources and community connections
- support to access services such as housing, child care, health care and other community and social supports
- information sessions on topics like tenant rights, financial literacy, and navigating Canadian systems
- Service Canada Clinics support applying for Old Age Security, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Canada Pension Plan (CPP), CPP Disability and Survivor Benefits
- seasonal income tax clinic - free tax filing assistance for eligible individuals and families
- opportunities to connect with local volunteer programs and build social networks
- free citizenship test preparation sessions
Diversity and Inclusion
- series of sessions on cross cultural learning and engagement to help newcomers understand and connect with different cultures
- newcomers learn of rights and responsibilities as community members, impacts of discrimination and biases, Canadian values and enhance inclusive decision-making skills
Digital Support Services
- supports participants with essential digital skills to navigate and use online tools and platforms
- key areas include: website and platform navigation, accessing and managing digital resources, digital safety and privacy
- monthly workshops
Youth Settlement Services
- supports academic success and nurtures leadership potential through mentorship and peer engagement
- connects youth to employment services, volunteer opportunities, and career-building mentorships
- workshops and group sessions that teach healthy coping strategies, emotional resilience, and self-esteem
- access to wellness resources and referrals supporting holistic development and community engagement
Employment Access
- workshops covering job search preparation and strategies, labour market information, workplace culture, resume, cover letter and interview preparation, career information and networking opportunities
- one-on-one services to support developing action plans to reach employment goals
- provides resources and referrals for employment needs
Employment Access for Newcomer Women - to empower newcomer women to establish fulfilling careers in the Canadian workforce
- soft skills development; job market insights; cultural adaptation
- interview preparation; resume building; career progression
- community and support
- job placement - 2 weeks, minimum 18 hours' following the workshop participants can take part in the placement program to put newly acquired skills into practice
Newcomer Settlement and Language Training (NSLT) Program
- provides career action plans and guidance on the preparation of cover letters and resumés
- clients are provided with employment support for job search and retention based on employment needs
Women's Wellness Services - provide services for newcomer women in a women-only social setting enabling them to gain understanding of available services and resources
- through guided wellness-focused activities women participate in weekly wellness-related sessions to overcome their day-to-day challenges.
- gain awareness of local services and resources available to support their settlement journey
Women Support Services - confidential counselling services for newcomer women and their children who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse
- individual or group sessions
- short-term, goal focused counselling including the development of transition and safety strategies and information on rights and options
- crisis and support counselling to assist individuals seeking immediate assistance
- linking women to appropriate services in the community that address legal, housing, financial and long term counselling needs
Transitional Housing Support Program - women and their children or dependents who identify as victims of family violence are provided referrals to transitional housing or temporary shelter or application for subsidized housing; these applications are considered Special Priority status due to high safety concerns
Short-Term Supportive Counselling - offers culturally responsive, non-clinical counselling for newcomer individuals, couples, and families facing urgent emotional or mental health challenges
- provides non-clinical short-term counselling interventions to clients experiencing an urgent need for advice and support on mental and physical well-being
- workshops to assist newcomers to understand mental wellness and practical skills
Mental Health Program - culturally appropriate counselling in Arabic, Mandarin and English for individuals, couples and families
- support with tools to manage the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, family conflict, and trauma
- offers individual counselling and educational workshops to cope with life transitions
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3B9
- 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)
Services also offered at Safe Centre of Peel, 60 West Drive, Suite 110, Brampton
Burlington, ON, L7R 3N2
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
Burlington, ON, L7R 3N2
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
Brampton, ON, L6T 3T6
Confidential coordinated access to services and supports, including system navigation and wraparound services, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and short-term trauma and abuse counselling for victims of intimate partner violence and their children
- personalized safety planning
- housing and shelter placement support
- assistance with legal aid certificate application
- family court support and bail court updates
- settlement services
- case conferences
- child resource packages and parenting support
- financial subsidy application support
- partner in human trafficking prevention and intervention
- community partner collaborations, including Peel Regional Police
Free child minding is available for those seeking services at the centre
Victim Crisis Assistance Ontario
On-site early intervention and crisis intervention
- needs assessment
- safety planning
- referrals to community services
- enhanced support for vulnerable victims
- assistance with applications to VQRP+
Sexual Assault Centre and Anti-Human Trafficking Support Services
​Individual counselling, group counselling and peer support for survivors of recent or historical sexual violence and/or human trafficking
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
Assistance with emergency expenses related to the incident, may include home safety, accommodation, meals, transportation, basic necessities, dependent care costs, counselling, traditional Indigenous health services, cellular phones, vision care, dental care, aids for victims with disabilities, interpretation services, crime scene cleanup, government/medical documents and funeral expenses
- additional assistance for victims of human trafficking includes storage locker, tattoo removal, and treatment at a recovery facility
- no direct reimbursement made to victims for supports listed above
- financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
South Asian Family Enrichment (SAFE)
Intensive case management, system navigation and counselling for families affected by intimate partner violence, including children
- long term culturally sensitive support
- emotional and psychological support for effects of trauma
- outreach, support and educational awareness on family violence issues
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2
The regional sexual assault and domestic violence treatment centre for Halton
- provides confidential, comprehensive, trauma-specific care and treatment
- services can be provided with or without police involvement
- offers choice of care
Team is made up of Registered Nurses (RN), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and physicians who provide care on an emergency basis
- RNs work with paediatricians when caring for children
- a registered social worker is also available
Offers services for:
- acute care for an assault that has occurred within the last 12 days
- non-acute care for an assault that has occurred more than 12 days ago
- follow-up care
Burlington, ON, L7S 1C5
Provides short-term emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime and road trauma, which encompasses serious personal injuries and fatalities
- volunteers are specially trained individuals who help victims cope during crisis situations
- Annual "Angels N' Motion" 5k Run/Walk fundraiser in September
Mississauga, ON, L4W 5M4
- has jurisdiction over municipal, regional and provincial police officers in Ontario, as well as special constables employed by the Niagara Parks Commission and peace officers with the Legislative Protective Service, anyone the SIU is mandated to investigate is referred to as an 'official'
- investigates incidents involving officials where there is a serious injury, death, allegation of sexual assault or discharge of a firearm by an official at a person
- objective of every investigation is to determine whether there is evidence of criminal wrongdoing on the part of the official
First Nations, Inuit and Metis Liaison Program - geared to providing culturally sensitive guidance in the Unit's approach to incidents involving First Nations, Inuit and Metis persons or communities
Outreach Program - participates in community events and educational sessions
Director's Resource Committee (DRC) - helps address community concerns and assists the SIU to improve relations with the public
Independent of any police service and operates at arm's length from the Ministry of the Attorney General
