Searching for Victims Of Abuse Support Programs
Located near Burlington
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
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
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
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:
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
Information and support is available to seniors, their families or service providers. Programs and presentations are researched, developed and presented on a variety of topics (such as quality of life issues, frauds and scams, personal/home safety, etc.). Reports of abuse (physical, financial, psychological, or neglect) are forwarded to the officers for assessment and further investigation if required. Cases identified as criminal offences are followed up. Major cases may be referred to the Crimes Against Seniors Unit for further investigation.
Support is available for:
- 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
Office: 905-546-8300
Visit Website
Services include:
- 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
Crisis: 1-866-863-0511
1-877-336-2433
1-855-554-4325
Visit Website
These programs serve any woman who identifies herself, or is identified as having been physically, sexually or emotionally abused by her partner or significant other, or those who are adult survivors of sexual assault or woman abuse.
Violence Against Women programs are designed to increase the safety of women and their children who are experiencing abuse, by providing safe shelter, safety plan development, crisis counselling, and help them access resources to live free of domestic abuse.
Violence Against Women programs include:
* Emergency shelter and related services
* Crisis/support services
* Counselling services
* Housing support services
* Transitional support services
* Early intervention services for child witnesses of domestic violence
* A province-wide crisis line
24-Hour Crisis Line: 905-523-6277
Visit Website
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
24-Hour Crisis Line: 905-523-6277
Visit Website
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
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.
Crisis: 905-525-4162
Visit Website
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.
24-Hour Crisis Line: 905-523-6277
Visit Website
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