Searching for Victims Of Abuse Support Programs

Survivor-Led Peer Advocacy Program

• a space that has been designed by survivors, for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking
• welcomes referrals to virtual programming opportunities, including group opportunities and individualized supports, from across Canada
• also offers individualized, in-person support to survivors within the Halton Region and the City of Hamilton
• not a crisis response centre

Mentorship & Encouragement

• through group programming and one-on-one support
• connect with survivors to navigate life's celebrations and challenges

Group activities

• offer a range of group activities that build community among survivors, promotes resiliency, and encourages the development of life skills and emotional well-being
• activities include topic-based discussions, movement classes, book club, and social opportunities like movie nights and holiday gatherings
• currently offering virtual group activities and some in-person gatherings

Resources and Connection

• share resources and opportunities with network of survivors
• help survivors navigate systems (judicial, health, social, economic, etc.) that support their healing journey

Amplifying Voices

• amplify survivors' voices when possible and appropriate
• actively look for opportunities for survivors to speak and share their voices, stories, and expertise

Nancy's House

• is a first of its kind -- a second stage, long-term transitional home for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking in Hamilton/Halton
• provides a safe and supportive space for residents to heal, reclaim, and restore
• a bridge between first stage emergency shelters/short-term safe houses and third stage independent living
• access to specialized programs and services, individualized and holistic care, wrap-around services, and a sense of belonging and community amongst other survivors
• programming elements are delivered through a combination of in-house services as well as in partnership with services and organizations in the wider Halton/Hamilton community

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

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

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

• victims and/or 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
• learn to respect the opinions and wishes of all family members

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

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

• Safety expenses
• Practical assistance expenses
• Travel and associated expenses
• Crime scene clean-up
• Counselling services, traditional Indigenous health services and associated transportation expenses
• Expanded supports for survivors of human trafficking and
• Supports for victims with serious injuries and for families of homicide victims

• Training for community groups, service providers, and legal workers
• Public legal education that is culturally sensitive and delivered with accessibility in mind
• Legal support and services for disadvantaged queer clients

A 40-bed emergency shelter for individuals and their children who are fleeing violence and abuse.

Programs and service:

• Safe, short-term accommodation in private family-style units
• Safety planning and emergency transportation to the shelter, if needed
• Referrals and advocacy for legal, medical, financial, employment, housing and community services
• Recreational and therapeutic programs for children
• Counselling
• Access to cultural interpreters

Provides a place of sanctuary, safety, and support for women (and their children) with a variety of programs.

Family Court Support Worker Program

• Provides 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, and court accompaniment to proceedings, when appropriate.

Transitional Housing and Support Program

• Helps women and their children access services to establish violence and abuse-free lives in the community.

Second Stage Services

• Offers furnished, affordable housing to both single women and women with children for up to one year. Supports are geared to creating greater physical, emotional, and financial stability in the aftermath of violence and abuse.

Provides support to youth 24 years of age and younger who are or have been involved in a human trafficking situation.

Services include:

• one-on-one support from a case worker
• community referrals
• safety planning
• harm reduction strategies

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.

Offers supportive programming for women from Hamilton's diverse racial and cultural communities, in particular women who are immigrant, newcomers, and refugees. Services include: individual support, women's support groups, information and referral, advocacy and accompaniment, and practical assistance such as childcare, bus tickets, and snacks.

Provides a place of sanctuary, safety, and support for women (and their children) with a variety of programs.

Family Court Support Worker Program

• Provides 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, and court accompaniment to proceedings, when appropriate.

Transitional Housing and Support Program

• Helps women and their children access services to establish violence and abuse-free lives in the community.

Second Stage Services

• Offers furnished, affordable housing to both single women and women with children for up to one year. Supports are geared to creating greater physical, emotional, and financial stability in the aftermath of violence and abuse.

Offers peer support groups to adult male survivors of childhood sexual abuse and adult male victims of sexual assault.

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