Searching for Counselling For Abused People
Located near Burlington
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
Crisis: If you are in immediate danger call 9-1-1 Mon-Sun 24 hours: Halton Women's Place Burlington 905-332-7892 ; Halton Women's Place Milton 905-878-8555 ; Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) 905-875-1555
Visit Website
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
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
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:
Mon-Sun 24 hours 905-333-4441
Visit Website
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
Visit Website
Services designed to help newcomer, immigrant, and refugee women address their unique needs through community resources and referrals, short term sessional counseling, and workshops.
Supports and services offered:
- One-on-one counseling
- Specialized workshops
- Needs assessment and referrals
- Enhanced supports (child care access, transportation, translation services)
Offers confidential trauma-informed 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.
- community counselling services
- individual counselling
- employment counselling
- peer support
- wellness and recovery groups
- safety planning
- housing services
Offers support to women who have been exposed to abuse and violence, whether physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. Programs provide knowledge and understanding of abuse, safety planning, and access to community resources.
Visit Website
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8 (12km)
Mental health counselling
- 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, 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
Family Court Advocacy
-
provide emotional and practical support navigating the family law and court system.
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
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
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:
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 and youth who have witnessed violence, by offering opportunities to share their feelings regarding the abuse and violence they have witnessed in a creative and supportive environment.
The specifics of the course vary slightly by organization. Contact each site for specific details.
Visit Website
Mental health counselling
- 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, 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
Family Court Advocacy
-
provide emotional and practical support navigating the family law and court system.
905-876-1682
Visit Website
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
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
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
- counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
- information and referral
- violence prevention education
Crisis: Mon-Sun 24 hours North Shelter (Milton and Halton Hills) 905-878-8555 Mon-Sun 24 hours South Shelter (Burlington and Oakville) 905-332-7892
Visit Website
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
- 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 have 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
