Searching for Shelter For Women Experiencing Abuse
Located near Fort Erie
Fort Erie, ON, L2A 3S8
- Provides a free, confidential, 24-hour telephone distress line available 24/7/365.
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
- provides emotional support, crisis and suicide intervention through text or instant message for those individual who many not want to receive support face to face or speak over the phone.
- provides a free, confidential 12-hour online and text support between the hours of 2pm and 2am EST
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 1X8
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+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible 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 reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- Financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Niagara Falls, ON, L2H 3S6
- 24-hour support line (call or text - 905-356-5800)
- Counselling and emotional support for women and children/youth who are being or who have been abused
- Safety planning
- Transitional and housing support
- Public education program
- Referrals
- 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
Services are available on an in-shelter or office visit basis.
Welland, ON, L3B 3Y4
Welland, ON, L3B 3L2
Welland, ON, L3B 3W6
- services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
- 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 -- financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court
- travel arrangements and expenses
- language interpretation
- real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities
- Provides a free, confidential, 24-hour telephone distress line available 24/7/365.
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
- provides emotional support, crisis and suicide intervention through text or instant message for those individual who many not want to receive support face to face or speak over the phone.
- provides a free, confidential 12-hour online and text support between the hours of 2pm and 2am EST
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
St Catharines, ON, L2R 7E1
Individual/group counselling and theme-based workshops for survivors * Support also available for family and friends * Outreach counselling available at several locations throughout Niagara region including Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Port Colborne, Welland and West Lincoln
Hospital Response Workers provide accompaniment, emotional support and advocacy for victims attending the St Catharines hospital for medical care and/or Sexual Assault Evidence Kit collection (up to 7 day post assault) * Information, accompaniment and referrals to other agencies also available during police investigation and court proceedings
Volunteer Program: Contact office for more information
Public speakers available for community groups and high schools on various topics including: Sexual assault awareness and prevention * Date rape * Sexual harassment * Childhood sexual abuse prevention * Self defence
Ongoing education program: * Child Assault Prevention (CAP) Program for grades 1-6 * Youth Issues Prevention Program for grades 7-8 * Film, handouts and interactive discussions
Workshops available for professionals who come into contact with survivors of sexual assault and/or their families
Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (west region)
St Catharines, ON, L2R 7N8
- services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
- 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 -- financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court
- travel arrangements and expenses
- language interpretation
- real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities
St Catharines, ON, L2R 0A3
Services include:
- compassionate one-on-one and group counselling
- emergency accommodation and transportation
- safety planning
- child and youth programming
- violence prevention programs and education
- second-stage housing
- transitional housing and support
- legal advice and support
- 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
Women do not have to stay at the shelter to access any of the free, confidential services. The goal is to provide safety, support and empowerment to vulnerable women, Two-spirit, gender queer, trans and non-binary individuals in the community.
St Catharines, ON, L2S 0A9
Provides 24 hour emergency medical care and crisis intervention to all individuals (male and female) who have been sexually assaulted or victims of domestic violence within the last 12 days. Services are provided through a specialized team sensitive to the needs of survivors. Options of care include emotional support, prophylactic treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV post exposure prophylaxis, pregnancy prevention, and the collection of forensic evidence to assist in the legal process. Victims of domestic violence have options of medical treatment, documentation of injuries, safety planning and police involvement.
For emergency treatment, go to any emergency department in the Niagara Region. The Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Program nurse will be paged.
Counselling Program: Offers short-term trauma counselling to recent victims (within 2 years of the assault/abuse) of sexual violence or intimate partner violence to individuals 16 years of age and older. A social worker is available to answer questions and/or determine eligibility for counselling services every Wednesday morning between 9 am-12 noon. Call for information.
- Provides a free, confidential, 24-hour telephone distress line available 24/7/365.
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
- provides emotional support, crisis and suicide intervention through text or instant message for those individual who many not want to receive support face to face or speak over the phone.
- provides a free, confidential 12-hour online and text support between the hours of 2pm and 2am EST
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
- Provides a free, confidential, 24-hour telephone distress line available 24/7/365.
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
- provides emotional support, crisis and suicide intervention through text or instant message for those individual who many not want to receive support face to face or speak over the phone.
- provides a free, confidential 12-hour online and text support between the hours of 2pm and 2am EST
- uses trained volunteers
- assist callers to solve their own problems
- information and referrals
- intervene in life-threatening situations
- extensive pre-service training programs for distress line
- suicide prevention and intervention workshops
- communication skills training
Haldimand, ON, N0A 1E0
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+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible 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 reimbursements are made to victims for the support listed above
- financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Haldimand, ON, N0A 1E0
- services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
- 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
- travel arrangements and expenses
- language interpretation
- real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities
Hamilton, ON, L8H 3Y7
Provides assistance to all Indigenous people, regardless of status, who are in contact with the legal system to help navigate the court process and better understand their rights, options, and responsibilities when appearing before the courts.
Hamilton, ON, L8V 5C2
Provides specialized healthcare for adolescents, women, transgender persons, and men who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Reporting to the police is the decision of the survivor. Hospital staff will not report to the police without the permission of the survivor.
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
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
Burlington, ON, L7S 0A2
The regional sexual assault and domestic violence care centre of Halton
- team is made up of Registered Nurses (RN), Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) and physicians who provide care on an emergency basis
- RN's work with paediatricians when caring for children
- a registered social worker is also available
- offers choice of care
- services can be provided with or without police involvement
Services include:
- acute care for an assault has occurred within the last 12 days including crisis intervention and emotional support, documentation of assault and injuries, safety planning, and referrals to community agencies for further support
- non-acute care for an assault has occurred more than 12 days ago
- follow-up care
- sexual assault
- domestic abuse
Oakville, ON, L6K 1E1
Major services:
- identify and remediate the traumatic impact of interpersonal abuse
- provide support, education and intervention to all non-offending family members or caregivers impacted by their child's trauma
- for sexually abused and/or abusive children, adolescents and their families
- family and individual assessment, treatment and long term support
- group therapy for female and male victims, non-offending mothers, juvenile sex offenders and offending parents
- self help component for the offending adolescent and a comprehensive family assessment
- also offers Training and Consultation programs
Trauma Assessments - determines the effects of interpersonal abuse, most effective treatment approach
Trauma Treatment - following assessment, a client may enter into a recommended combination of individual and family therapy
Sexualized Behaviour Assessments/Treatment - for children under 12 years that are involved in inappropriate sexual behaviours
Risk Assessments/Treatment - for sexually offending youths between the ages of 12-18 years, to understand the circumstances leading to the sexual offending behaviour(s), risks, strengths and treatment needs
Sibling Incest Assessments/Treatment - for families where sibling-on-sibling sexual abuse has occurred including a trauma assessment for the victimized child, a risk assessment
Hamilton, ON, L8L 2X2
Provides specialized healthcare for adolescents, women, transgender persons, and men who have experienced sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Reporting to the police is the decision of the survivor. Hospital staff will not report to the police without the permission of the survivor.
Hamilton, ON, L8R 1A7
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
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+
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) -- assistance with emergency expenses related to the eligible 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 reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
Hamilton, ON, L8N 2B7
Provides information and assistance to support participation in the criminal court process. Services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the case is over.
Services include:
- case-specific information ex. court dates, bail conditions
- court preparation
- needs assessment
- emotional support
- crisis intervention
- referrals to community agencies
Also administers the Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund which provides court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court. Services supported by this fund include travel arrangements and expenses, language interpretation, and real-time captioning or other equipment of victims with disabilities.
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, Oakville, and Halton Hills (Georgetown and Acton)
- community outreach clinics at various locations including local libraries, food banks, courthouses, and outreach organizations on a rotating basis
Depending on the kind of problem, may be able to 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
- Housing Law
- Employment Rights
- Human Rights
- Secondary Legal Consultation
- Indigenous Rights and Services
- Youth Rights
Mobile Legal Clinic
- serving Acton and Georgetown
- a lawyer on site providing free legal information and advice in each community on alternating Fridays
- schedule will be posted on social media
ID Clinic
- offering monthly ID Clinics to provide assistance with the legal barriers preventing members of the Trans, Non-Binary, and Queer communities from accurately identifying themselves on official documents
- more information on website (haltonlegal.ca/id-clinic)
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, social and health supports, your legal health may be at risk
- visit website to take the check-up (legalhealthcheckup.ca)
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