Counselling/psychotherapy and support services to recent and historical/childhood survivors of sexual violence and their friends, families, support person, and varying community members
- 24/7 crisis and support line
- free and confidential service
- individual and group counselling - by phone and secure video (Zoom) and in-person
- accompaniment (police, legal, and medical, etc.)
- advocacy
- public education
- volunteer opportunities and crisis line training
Wait time for individual counselling is currently 6-9 months
Oshawa, ON, L1G 2B9
24 hr Emergency Medical Services
- DV/SACC team at Lakeridge Health Oshawa available 24 hrs for medical emergencies for sexual assault and intimate partner violence victims
- male, female or transgender adult victims of sexual assault up to 12 days post assault, children under 16 years of age up to 7 days - post-assault examination, treatment, evidence collection, safety planning, referrals, follow-up
- for intimate partner, adult male, female or transgender victims (do not need to have injuries) - documentation and photographs of injuries, safety planning, referrals, follow-up
- individual counselling for adult male or female victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence within the past year
Oshawa, ON, L1H 4K5
Therapy, counselling for individuals, couples and families regardless of religious beliefs, and young parent support services, and hub for gender-based violence survivors
Renewal Psychotherapy Durham Division
- couple and family therapy
- trauma therapy
- psychotherapy for mild to moderate mental health issues
Rose of Durham Division
- parenting groups for young parents
- one-on-one parenting support and supportive counselling
- life skills and social groups for young parents
Safety Network Durham Division
- assist victims of gender based and family violence to obtain protection and safety
- group programs for abused women, children and teens exposed to violence
- access to Safety Network Durham Gender-Based Violence Hub
Head office in Oshawa
Satellite office in Ajax
250 Bayly Street W, Unit 22
Ajax, ON L1S 3V4
Member Agency of Catholic Charities, Family Service Ontario, Children's Mental Health Ontario, Ontario Young Parents Association, Durham Child and Youth Planning Network, Human Trafficking Coalition and Violence Prevention Co-Ordinating Council of Durham
Oshawa, ON, L1H 4K5
Offers support services and short-term counselling to help survivors deal with the impact of abuse and to develop improved coping strategies
Head office in Oshawa
Satellite office in Ajax
250 Bayly Street W, Unit 22
Ajax, ON L1S 3V4A
Regional member agency for Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Assault for Durham Region
- providing service by phone 905-728-0978 ext 221
- individual consultations over the phone with Legal/Family Court Support Workers
- free summary legal advice from family law lawyers available via phone or video conferencing
- information and assistance with court documents
- virtual legal information group sessions on a range of topics
- access a family law lawyer for free summary legal advice through Virtual Legal Clinic - to book an appointment, call 1-866-516-3116 ext.235, or email [email protected]
- individual information, support, guidance and referral on family law system
- group sessions offered including Early Information Sessions, Legal Information Workshops
- access to extensive print and video resources
- weekly pro-bono summary advice clinic to receive lawyer's opinion based on facts of situation
- help with legal preparation and preparing for court
- consultation, education and training to the service community and general public
- information on the family court process
- assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
Shelter support and crisis counselling services, including confidential 24-hour telephone or in-person crisis and supportive assistance
- secure emergency shelter, capacity 33 crisis beds with additional cribs
- full accessible shelter with elevator
- consideration for family pets in shelter and accommodation for large breed dogs
- emergency transportation to shelter
- food, clothing and basic personal necessities
- supportive counselling and safety planning
- crisis counselling and transitional support
- comprehensive children's program
- help finding community resources and supports
- legal and court support referrals and rights information
- assistance with special priority for rent geared to income housing
- language interpretation arranged with notice
Community Support
Support to women and their children, who are currently involved in an abusive relationship, are planning on leaving, or have left abusive environment and require support
- help to establish short and long-term goal planning based on individual needs
Support and follow-up provided by telephone, email, home visits or meeting at alternative safe location
- short-term supportive counselling
- goal planning
- safety planning
- advocacy, resources and referrals
- housing support groups for women
- concurrent groups for moms and children
- groups for women 55+
Whitby, ON, L1N 6A3
Community Counselling
- intake, assessment, referral
- short-term individual, couple, family and group counselling
- professional counselling for a variety of mild to moderate issues including:
- substance abuse, problem gambling, other addictions
- anxiety, depression
- grief and loss
- anger and emotion management
- personal stress, self-esteem
- communication, couple and family conflict, extended family issues
- separation and divorce, blended family issues
- abuse and violence, sexual assault and abuse, trauma
- job stress, workplace violence and conflict
- school problems
- balancing work and family life
- caring for elderly parents
Service is offered in-person at various locations throughout Durham Region, or remotely by phone or video
Partner Assault Response (PAR) (see separate listing)
- mandated structured group program for men and women who have been found and/or pled guilty to domestic violence
Employee Assistance
Available for people whose employers contract with Family Services to provide employee assistance services and supports as part of their employee benefits program
- intake, assessment and referral
- counselling for employees and their family members
- critical incident counselling and support services
- organizational support and wellness seminars for employee groups
Adult Protective Services (APS) (see separate listing)
- assessment, information and referral
- service coordination and system navigation
- case management
- advocacy and supportive counseling for adults with a developmental disability
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Offers 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
Primary Care Outreach Program (PCOP)
Primary care paramedic and social worker offering basic health care services and assessment, counselling and referrals to those who are unhoused and may be struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges
Mental Health Outreach Program (MHOP)
Mobile team of social workers offering outreach counselling and psychotherapy to those who are unhoused or recently/precariously housed and may be struggling with mental health and/or addiction challenges.
Older Adult Safety Advisor (OASA)
Works to help improve the safety and well-being of older adults who are experiencing and/or at risk of abuse or other harm, including supports:
- advocacy
- referrals and service navigation
- education
Toronto, ON, M1H 3C3
Information and Orientation Services - settlement services for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than 4 years, including landed immigrants, Convention refugees and foreign-born Canadian citizens
- orientation, information sessions, supportive counselling
- information and referral including housing, access to community resources
- employment assessment and preparation, job fairs, computer with free Internet access
- advocacy, interpretation
- English conversation classes
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto -- see separate entry; care for newcomer children -- childminding for parents attending sessions
Newcomer Youth Girls Program
- empowers and supports immigrant and refugee girls focusing on healthy relationships, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, and sexual health
- individual and group counselling with gender-based analysis positive (GBA+) approach
- educational and recreational activities
HIPPY (Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters)
- home visitation program supporting vulnerable, isolated, and low-income mothers of children aged 3-5 years
- empowers mothers to take active role in preparing their children for school
- builds confidence, skills, and community connections.
Newcomer Settlement Program
- volunteer recruitment and training
- outreach, advocacy
- cultural activities
Services for Victims of Domestic Violence
- crisis intervention and safety planning
- individual and family counselling for women and children
- support groups and educational workshops
- referrals to community services such as Legal Aid, subsidized housing and Ontario Works/Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)
- advocacy, education and information
Men Make a Difference - culturally appropriate group sessions to learn techniques for developing healthy relationships, resolve conflict, and cope with anger
Seniors Services
- recreational activities
- support groups for isolated Afghan senior women
- assistance accessing community resources
ON, M1H 2A4
- community health centre
- diabetes education (nurses, dieticians, social worker, chiropody)
- health promotion programs
- chiropody
- sexual assault and domestic violence
- meals on wheels program
- volunteer services
Services and Programs:
- Active Living Centre
- Adult Day Centre Program
- Assisted Living
- Children and Youth Health/ Wellness Programs
- Community Diabetes Education Program
- Community Health Centre
- Congregate Dining/Social Dining
- Early ON Child and Family Centre
- Food Bank
- Friendly Visiting
- Hepatitis C Clinic
- Home Help and Respite Programs
- Home Maintenance
- Interprofessional Primary Care Team
- Lawrence East Partnership Program
- Meals on Wheels
- Scarborough Furniture Bank
- Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre
- Toronto - 4175 Lawrence Ave E - Assisted Living
- Transportation
Multifunction center offering community programs
DIVI (De l'immigration vers l'intégration)
- Needs assessment, help in building individual learning and confidence
- supports integration and civic engagement
- for francophone women
Call for information or email [email protected]
Child witness program
- family support for women and their children 5-18 years
- strategy and skill building for women survivors of domestic violence
- group counselling and social intervention
- for francophone women victims of domestic violence
ON, M1K 2S3
Counselling is available to:
- Individuals who are seeking trauma therapy for sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, and domestic violence
Toronto, ON, M1K 2N8
Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education
Mental Health Counselling and Support
- confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services
- individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
- service coordination and referral to treatment
- contact for information on available languages
Settlement Services
- needs assessment
- orientation
- supportive counselling
- interpretation and translation services
- employment counselling and computer training
- peer support groups
- referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
- assistance with documentation and completing applications
Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
- specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning
- homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
- workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
- parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
- assistance accessing free or affordable community programs
Language and Skills Training
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- computer classes
- citizenship preparation classes
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing
Befriending Program
- community support for survivors of torture through a network of volunteer befrienders
Toronto, ON, M1W 2P3
Linguistically and culturally sensitive counselling and settlement services for individuals and families
Counselling and Psychotherapy
Individual, group, couple, marital and family counselling and mental health psychotherapy
- for trauma, abuse, violence against women, offenders, bereavement, problem gambling; crisis intervention; referrals to community partners as necessary
- family programs, including parenting and family life education, and youth counselling and leadership development
Partner Assault Response (PAR)
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict
- victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress
- group counselling in Cantonese, Mandarin and Vietnamese
Settlement Program
Orientation, needs and eligibility assessments, interpretation and translation
- information and referral topics include immigration, issues of concern to refugees and foreign domestic workers, citizenship, social assistance benefits, legal aid, housing, child care, English classes, and education and employment training
Disabilities and Special Needs Program
Rehabilitation for skills involving speech and language, mobility, emotional and behavioural control
- 1-on-1 and groups; in person and virtual
- support provided for subsidy applications
Violence Against Women, Housing and Transitional Support Program
Counselling, information and referrals, crisis intervention and case management for women who have experienced violence, and their children
- community services information on issues such as housing, legal, financial, health care, immigration, children's services
- settlement support including assistance setting up safety plan, ongoing counselling and support
Satellite offices by appointment only in Toronto, Markham, Unionville, and Mississauga
Toronto, ON, M2J 2Z1
Women's Support Services -- counselling and support groups for assaulted women, workshops
LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, child minding provided -- see separate entry
ESL/introduction to computers
Community Development and Engagement Programs
- conversational English
- computer training for seniors
- recreation and fitness
Toronto, ON, M3C 3N6
Medical, mental health, settlement and social support services including integrated anti-human trafficking support; research and education
Mental Health Counselling and Support
- confidential assessment, counselling, crisis intervention and support services
- individual, family and group counselling, and mutual support groups
- service coordination and referral to treatment
- contact for information on available languages
Settlement Services
- needs assessment
- orientation
- supportive counselling
- interpretation and translation services
- employment counselling and computer training
- peer support groups
- referrals to outside resources, including housing, social services, legal and medical help, skills training, cultural groups, and recreational programs
- assistance with documentation and completing applications
Children, Youth, and Parent Programs
- specialized settlement services for children and their families to deal with trauma and restore family functioning
- homework club, individual tutoring, education counselling, leadership development, and summer recreation programs
- workshops such as job interview skills, employment training, driver education, health and sexual health, education options
- parent supports such as counselling, school and child welfare systems navigation, assistance accessing child care and completing subsidies applications
- assistance accessing free or affordable community programs
Language and Skills Training
- English as a Second Language (ESL)
- computer classes
- citizenship preparation classes
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by YMCA of Greater Toronto, see separate listing
Befriending Program
- community support for survivors of torture through a network of volunteer befrienders
Emergency shelters and crisis line, call 1-800-263-3247
Emergency shelter, crisis intervention, outreach, counselling and support services
Emergency Shelters
2 shelters, 24 hour crisis line and crisis intervention
Community supports - non-shelter resident services include
- counselling and group supports for women and children
- parenting programs
- legal support program
- transitional housing support
- public education and prevention programs
- volunteer opportunities
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 2H4
Offers 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
Toronto, ON, M4L 1Z1
All programs have virtual options; in-person options are available for a few programs, including Violence Against Women programs. Wearing a mask is required for in-person counselling services.
General Services
- information and referral
- individual advocacy
- life skills training
Violence Against Women and Children Program -- Counselling services to those ages 16 years and older identifying as a woman, non-binary, and/or gender non-conforming and their dependents ages 14 years and older who have experienced any form of violence and trauma.
- individual counselling for crisis, abuse and assault; intimate partner/domestic violence counselling
- safety planning
- information, education and advocacy
- internal referrals and referrals to community resources
For training/employment programs, see other listing
Toronto, ON, M4J 5B9
Transitional housing, counselling, community, court and outreach programs
Housing
Phyllis Haslam Residence -- transitional residence for women on parole
- staffed 24 hours
- individual and group counselling, practical assistance
- referral and support to plan for release
- capacity 19
House Success Program -- case management program supporting individuals and households exiting homelessness to work towards continued housing stability
Counselling
General Counselling -- individual and group counselling supports and workshops for women in the community dealing with social, economic and justice issues
- provides information pertaining to legal rights, health and safety and alternatives to at-risk behaviours
- programs include parenting, newcomer family law, anger management, theft and fraud, healing from abuse and trauma, domestic/gender based violence, and substance abuse
Reintegration Counselling -- individual and group counselling for women on provincial probation and parole
- referred clients provided with skills to develop alternatives to theft, fraud, substance use behaviours and poor decision making
- general counselling topics recommened by parole officers such as parenting, substance use behaviours and healing from abuse
Direct Accountability Program (DAP) -- provides alternatives to prosecution for individuals charged with minor criminal offences, operates at the Ontario Court of Justice, 10 Armoury St and 2201 Finch Ave W
Partner Abuse Response program -- 12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict
- victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress
TREM Standing Strong (TREM SS), 416-924- 3708 ext 261 or ext 252 - 16 week group program for women 16-29 who identify as survivors of gender based or family violence
- trauma informed group and individual counselling
- groups available to participants 16-19 and 20-29
- clients also receive individual counselling and resource support as needed/requested during enrollment in program
- Youth Dating Violence (YDV) training and knowledge sharing opportunities to community service organizations
Employment and Community Supports
Women's Empowerment Through Business (WEB) -- trauma-informed program to promote economic security and independence for women and gender-diverse individuals through entrepreneurship training, personal development workshops and expanding peer connections
Record Suspension (Pardon) Information Services -- supports women and men with submitting a record suspension application to the National Parole Board of Canada
- application processing fees and TTC fares covered
- virtual support to anyone living anywhere in Canada
Volunteer Led Supports
Talk and Listen Phone Line, 1-855-924-3708 -- Monday-Friday 9:30 am-4 pm, assists women calling from institutions to navigate the criminal justice system
- information and resources on legal information, housing, mental health services, reintegration, release planning
- does not make third part calls or call on anyone's behalf
Court Support -- practical assistance and support, information to women and their families navigating the court system
- assistance with referrals, information and resources
- free snacks, clothing, personal hygiene items for women released on bail
- located at 10 Armoury St and 2201 Finch Ave W courts
Vanier Centre for Women -- social and recreation program, provides information and resources about Elizabeth Fry Toronto and other community supports
The Market Place -- for marginalized women particularly those recently released from incarceration
- provides donations such as clothing, hygiene supplies and gift cards to clients
Bingo Hall Program - provides volunteer opportunities for volunteers and clients the bingo hall to provide information about the organization while raising funds
Toronto, ON, M2N 6C6
General Service Provision
- all services and programs require an appointment
- services available in-person, online or by phone/email during office hours
- operating on a hybrid model, offering both online and in-person services; for more information; check organisation's website
___________________________________________________________________________
Settlement Services
- one-on-one orientation and workshops on a variety of settlement topics
- assistance with form filling
- interpretation and translation
- citizenship preparation support
- referrals to community services
Family Services
- individual and family counselling
- safety and transition planning for individuals experiencing domestic violence
- transitional housing support program
- referrals to community services and legal information
- educational workshops and self-help groups
Employment Services
- one-on-one employment counselling,
- resume support (clinics) and interview skills coaching
- referrals to career training and networking opportunities
- employment workshops and job fairs
- entrepreneurship training
Health Services
- educational seminars and information sessions
- referrals to community health providers
Social Services
- assistance accessing social assistance and other support services
- recreational and educational programs to reduce social isolation
- translation and interpretation services
- seasonal free income tax clinic
Toronto, ON, M2P 2A9
Multi-service agency
Meals on Wheels and Kosher Meals on Wheels
Bulk delivery once per week or once per two weeks of frozen meals (as well as meal replacements, sandwiches and soup packs if applicable/available)
Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes
Free group classes to increase mobility, relieve pain and reduce the risk of falls by building strength and improving balance
- virtual and in-person
- provided by fitness professionals
Home Support Services
Includes caregiver support/respite care, companionship, homemaking, housekeeping, personal care, supportive housing services, palliative care
Adult Day Program (see separate entry)
Transportation
Ride-share transportation (iRIDE Plus) for older adults and people with mobility issues, provided by special trained drivers to medical appointments and other outings
Elder Abuse (Vulnerable Populations) Prevention Program
For individuals 55 years and older who are experiencing or have experienced abuse
- includes individual and group counselling
Holocaust Survivor Services
Services for Holocaust Survivors with oversight from specially trained staff
- case management
- personal support and homemaking
- transportation
- Kosher Meals on Wheels,
- referral to other community agencies
- counselling & support
- Adult Day Programs
- socialization programs
Social Work Services
Includes information and referral, counselling, case management, support groups, workshops
- free
Social Activities & Groups
Free activities and programs for seniors to socialize and learn together
- virtual and in-person
- available in English and Russian
Volunteer Services
Includes friendly visiting, security checks and telephone reassurance
- inter-generational programs
- volunteer hospice program
Toronto, ON, M4P 3B7
Interdisciplinary coordination of services for child abuse victims and child abuse investigations including
- assessment, support and intervention for child abuse victims and their families
- research, consultation, training and education on child abuse prevention, recognition, intervention, trauma
In partnership with Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Catholic Children's Aid Society of Toronto, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, Jewish Family and Child, Toronto Police Service, Radius Child and Youth Services, and Hospital for Sick Children Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect Program (see separate listings)
Child Abuse Protocol
Establishes guidelines for coordinated investigations, prosecutions and case management of child abuse cases
Assessment Directed Therapy
Individual trauma assessments for children 4-17 years who have been abused or have experienced trauma due to violence; includes
- child-focused, family-centred, strength-based therapy
- adolescent and parent/caregiver support groups
- facilitation of interagency responses
Child Victim Witness Support
Individual court preparation and support for witnesses 3-17 years and supporting adults prior to criminal court proceedings
Boost Accredited Reliable K9s (BARK) program available to children and youth requiring additional support while accessing CVWS program in Toronto and Peterborough
Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 4Z3
Men's health promotion and support for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, separation and divorce, parenting, social isolation and self-esteem, abuse and trauma, and for situations of crises and distress
- individual, couple and family counselling
- peer support group for boys and men (separate groups) includes emotional support, information and resources
- legal assistance clinic and resource centre
- individual and group settings
- Fathering After Separation or Divorce - 8-week parenting program
- support for male victims of domestic abuse and family violence, including counselling, support groups and referrals
- Survivors of False Allegations - supports for those who have been falsely accused or wrongfully convicted
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
