Searching for Counselling For Abused People

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

A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process

* 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
* free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
* group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
* separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
* call for information about dates, times and locations of the programs

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 16 week group program for men who have used abusive behaviours with their family members
* focuses on improving their relationships with family
* understanding the impact behaviour has had on family
* developing skills for establishing healthier relationships
* increasing the safety for women and children

Major services:
* Violence Against Women Program
* Caring Dads
* individual, couple and family counselling
* Employee Assistance Program
* educational and counselling groups available in certain locations only if demand necessitates

Assessment Referral for Abused Women (individual assessment appointments, individual counselling, education/support groups, counselling groups for women, counselling groups for children who have witnessed abuse, developing healthy relationships)

Branch offices:
* Oakville
* Milton
* North Halton

Services include:
Adoption/Adoption Disclosure
* recruitment, assessment, support, pre- and post-counselling to adoptive parents
* match children and youth with adoptive parents
* provide adoption disclosure information and counselling to adopted persons over 18 years of age and their birth parents

Child Protection
* mandated by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) to protect children from abuse and neglect
* provide emergency after hours service for children and youth who are at risk

Community-based Services
* workers co-located in various community locations, e.g., schools, counselling agencies, the Halton Regional Police Service, to provide protection services to at-risk children and youth

Connecting Youth to the Community
* life skills programs to assist youth in the transition to independent living

Family Support
* assessment and supportive services to parents to maintain children and youth in their homes and when children and youth come into care, which expedites their return home
* supervise access for children, youth and their families, when required

Foster Care
* recruit, train and support resource parents
* match children and youth to appropriate placements

Fundraising
* for programs and services not covered by government funding that help the children and youth served by the Society

Volunteer Programs
* special events volunteers, summer camp volunteers, mentors/special friends, seasonal, Food for Life volunteer, volunteer drivers


For resources, including guidelines on what age a child can be left alone or for babysitting another child, see resources here

There is also a North Halton Office in Milton

Offers informed support to women who have been exposed to sexual abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, violence, harassment and/or trauma within a non-judgmental, inclusive environment in which they can increase their knowledge and understanding of woman abuse, and explore the options, resources and supports available.

Offers confidential support services for survivors of sexual violence, 16 years of age and older, who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. Services include individual and group counselling.

Offers confidential support services for survivors of sexual violence, 16 years of age and older, who have left sex-traf­fick­ing at any point in their lives. Services include individual, group counselling and advocacy.

Services provided by Interval House of Hamilton at Women's Centre of Hamilton and Flamborough Women's Resource Centre. Provides support for women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse including:

• community counselling services
• individual counselling
• employment counselling
• peer support
• wellness and recovery groups
• safety planning
• housing services

Mental health advocate

• for women struggling with depression, anxiety or other undiagnosed mental health challenges and are in need of mental health supports

Drop-in support

• open to all women who may be going through a difficult time and are facing challenges in their everyday life
• peer supporters provide one-on-one support by phone, email or in person

Abuse/crisis counselling

• one-on-one counselling for women dealing with the effects of abuse
• women will receive emotional support and guidance throughout the healing process with a focus on concrete plans for future safety

Life skills coaching

• women dealing with low self-esteem can receive up to eight personalized life coaching sessions
• learn skills to find empowerment and boost self-esteem

Legal Advice

• volunteer lawyers provide a free half hour legal advice session

Income tax clinic

• tax preparation for low income women that includes advice on rebates and benefits including the Canada Child Tax Benefit and health care benefits
• call or visit for financial eligibility
• clinics run from the end of February to the end of March

Borrow a Laptop

• loaning laptops to women in the Halton region to support their personal and professional development goals, and to make it easier for women to join our workshops
• Drop in or send an email to borrow one from our Technology Lending Library

Provides anonymous and confidential crisis support, counseling, safety planning, information, and referrals for women that have experienced abuse or violence.

A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process

* 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
* free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
* group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
* separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
* call for information about dates, times and locations of the programs

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

Major services:
Counselling
* individual, couples, family and group treatment
* individual counselling for survivors of sexual abuse

Client Advocacy
* assistance to cope successfully within the system

Employee assistance services
* improving employee welfare and productivity, trauma intervention, management, consulting

Grief Counselling

Service for Abused Women
* individual and group counselling
* group counselling for children

Other Locations:
North Halton
Milton
Burlington Head Office

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

An early intervention program that provides group supports for children who have witnessed woman abuse, by offering opportunities to share their feelings regarding the abuse and violence they have witnessed, in a creative and supportive environment.

Mental health advocate

• for women struggling with depression, anxiety or other undiagnosed mental health challenges and are in need of mental health supports

Drop-in support

• open to all women who may be going through a difficult time and are facing challenges in their everyday life
• peer supporters provide one-on-one support by phone, email or in person

Abuse/crisis counselling

• one-on-one counselling for women dealing with the effects of abuse
• women will receive emotional support and guidance throughout the healing process with a focus on concrete plans for future safety

Life skills coaching

• women dealing with low self-esteem can receive up to eight personalized life coaching sessions
• learn skills to find empowerment and boost self-esteem

Legal Advice

• volunteer lawyers provide a free half hour legal advice session

Income tax clinic

• tax preparation for low income women that includes advice on rebates and benefits including the Canada Child Tax Benefit and health care benefits
• call or visit for financial eligibility
• clinics run from the end of February to the end of March

Borrow a Laptop

• loaning laptops to women in the Halton region to support their personal and professional development goals, and to make it easier for women to join our workshops
• Drop in or send an email to borrow one from our Technology Lending Library

Services include:
Adoption/Adoption Disclosure
* recruitment, assessment, support, pre- and post-counselling to adoptive parents
* match children and youth with adoptive parents
* provide adoption disclosure information and counselling to adopted persons over 18 years of age and their birth parents

Child Protection
* mandated by the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA) to protect children from abuse and neglect
* provide emergency after hours service for children and youth who are at risk

Community-based Services
* workers co-located in various community locations, e.g., schools, counselling agencies, the Halton Regional Police Service, to provide protection services to at-risk children and youth

Connecting Youth to the Community
* life skills programs to assist youth in the transition to independent living

Family Support
* assessment and supportive services to parents to maintain children and youth in their homes and when children and youth come into care, which expedites their return home
* supervise access for children, youth and their families, when required

Foster Care
* recruit, train and support resource parents
* match children and youth to appropriate placements

Fundraising
* for programs and services not covered by government funding that help the children and youth served by the Society

Volunteer Programs
* special events volunteers, summer camp volunteers, mentors/special friends, seasonal, Food for Life volunteer, volunteer drivers


For resources, including guidelines on what age a child can be left alone or for babysitting another child, see resources here

There is also a South Halton/Head office in Burlington

A program supports children's healing from the effects of exposure to abuse and supports mothers to assist their children in this healing process

* 12 week therapy group for mothers and children (4-16 years)
* free program that runs twice per year in Oakville and once per year in Milton and Burlington
* group program provides children, teens and their mothers with safe, nurturing environments in which they can discuss the violence and abuse they have experienced
* separate groups for children, teens and their mothers are offered at the same time
* call for information about dates, times and locations of the programs

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

Offers a wide range of services and learning opportunities to newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada

Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding and transportation assistance may be available for eligible attendees

Settlement and Integration Services

• orientation, information
• translation and interpretation
• job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques

Family Support Program

• counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
• information and referral
• violence prevention education

Major Services:

• 24 hour crisis lines for abused women
• HWP Chat provides online support, Mon-Sun 24 hrs, from a training Violence Against Women Counsellor
• safe shelter accommodation, food, and basic personal items for a maximum of 8 weeks 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 support program
• 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

• 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

Schools programs

• EngageMENt 'male ally' program is a conversation-based 8-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)

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:

Reporting to Police

• Halton Regional Police Service -- call 905-825-4777 and ask for the on-duty Vice unit officer
• Crime Stoppers of Halton -- 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)

Crisis Support & Counselling

• SAVIS Crisis Line -- 24/7 Crisis line: 905-875-15555
• SAVIS Anti-Human Trafficking Services -- 24/7 Human Trafficking Crisis Support Line 905-483-0472
• Chrysalis Anti-Human Trafficking Network -- 1-866-528-7109 for 24/7 telephone counselling
• Distress Centre Halton -- 24/7 Crisis 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 -- 1-833-900-1010

Peer Accompaniment or Mobile Support Workers

• SAVIS (Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton) -- 905-483-0472
• Elizabeth Fry Society of Peel Halton -- 905-459-1315 or 905-624-1755

Emergency Shelter and Practical Assistance

• Halton Women's Place -- 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)
• Salvation Army Lighthouse Emergency Shelter -- 905-339-2918
• Halton Regional Police Service - Victim Services -- 905-825-4777 ext 5239

Health Care Support (sexual assault or abuse) Hospital Emergency Rooms:

• Georgetown Hospital -- 905-873-0111
• Joseph Brant Hospital -- 905-632-3737
• Milton District Hospital -- 905-878-2383
• Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital -- 905-845-2571
• Nina's Place, Regional Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre, Joseph Brant Hospital -- 905-336-4116

Support for people younger than 18 or have dependents younger than 18

• Halton Children's Aid Society -- 24/7 905-333-4441
• Halton Regional Police Service - Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau

COVID19 Support available remotely, call 905-450-1608 ext 112; telephone and virtual psychotherapy, emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, risk assessment, and information and referrals

Counselling and Support for Individuals, Couples and Families
Counselling, educational programs, and support in dealing with a variety of issues, including relationships and family problems, parenting, depression, anxiety, job loss, separation, divorce and new relationships, sexual abuse and childhood trauma, life transitions

• Violence Against Women Program
• counselling for male survivors of sexual abuse
• social reform, public education and advocacy

Partner Assault Response
12 week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• support available to victims/partners of offender including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

Walk-In Counselling Clinics in Brampton and Mississauga (see separate listings)

Partner in Safe Centre of Peel
Coordinated access to services and supports, including system navigation and wraparound services (see separate listing)

Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario