Searching for Counselling For Abused People
Located near Georgetown
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
* 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
* 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
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Crisis intervention, individual, couple and family counselling, therapeutic groups and psycho-educational workshops
Sexual assault centre
Clinical intervention by regulated health professionals
Enhanced Wellness Program
Stabilization, case management and system navigation, and support to meet basic and other needs before intensive trauma work
Hope On-Site
Serves youth, people who are homeless, sex workers and other at-risk populations
- coping skills
- social inclusion
- harm reduction supplies
- care kits
- healthy sexuality clinic
Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario
- culturally sensitive and language specific services for women within the African Canadian community
- support groups and supportive individual counselling
- information and referral to appropriate community resources such as Legal Aid, clinical counselling, affordable housing or shelters
- violence prevention and public education
- individual counselling
- support and accompaniment
- transitional support
- school and community workshops
- computer courses
- sexual assault prevention in primary and secondary schools
- prevention within the community
- volunteer opportunities
Range of support services for French-speaking immigrant and refugee women, including accompaniment
- Action Femmes social and education group for newly arrived refugee and immigrant women who are feeling isolated
Incudes assistance in finding housing
ÉLAN program
Employment preparation for all francophone women in search of employment
- computer courses
- self-employment and entrepreneurship
Information on the family court process
- assistance in documenting the history of abuse for family court proceedings
- referral to specialized services and supports in the community
- safety planning
- court accompaniment to proceedings when appropriate
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Violence against women prevention program through racially and culturally appropriate services
- individual counselling, advocacy, support groups
- court accompaniment, information and referral
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Settlement Services
assessment and action planning, information and referral, supportive counselling, community outreach, education and workshops
- support with finding housing, accessing child care, health care and other community and social services
- help completing government forms and applications, including citizenship applications
- seasonal income tax clinic
- connection with community and volunteer opportunities
- monthly Service Canada clinics to assist with OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
- weekly English conversation circle
- participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English, upon assessment by Achēv -- (see separate entry), day and evening classes available in various locations
- workshops covering job search preparation and strategies, labour market information, workplace culture, resume, cover letter and interview preparation, career information and networking opportunities
Women Support Services -- confidential counselling services for newcomer women and their children who have, or are, experiencing domestic abuse
- individual or group sessions
- short-term, goal focused counselling including the development of transition and safety strategies and information on rights and options
- crisis and support counselling to assist individuals seeking immediate assistance
- linking women to appropriate services in the community that address legal, housing, financial and long term counselling needs
- support and tools to manage the challenges of stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, parenting, family conflict, trauma and other life transitions through individual counselling and educational workshops
- activities to encourage and reinforce family language learning
Crisis: Mon-Sun 24 hours North Shelter (Milton and Halton Hills) 905-878-8555 * 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
- 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
- covering issues such as marital issues, addictions or alcohol, anger-management, children and family issues, domestic or youth violence
- grief counselling
- settlement issues -- assists at office or by referral
Works with Peel Children's Aid Society to provide counselling to children and families by referral (offered at office or in home setting)
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 incident, including 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 reimbursement to victims for support listed above
- financial support also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of child homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
South Asian Family Enrichment (SAFE) -- outreach, support and educational awareness on family violence issues
Office: 289-569-1201
Crisis: 905-459-7777
Visit Website
Referral to Family Services of Peel outreach worker as appropriate, with client consent
* 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
* 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
905-876-1682
Visit Website
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
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
Confidential coordinated access to services and supports, including system navigation and wraparound services, risk assessment, crisis intervention, and domestic violence, trauma and abuse counselling
- personalized safety planning
- housing and shelter placement support
- assistance with legal aid certificate application
- family court support and bail court updates
- settlement services
- case conferences
- child resource packages and parenting support
- financial subsidy application support
- partner in human trafficking prevention and intervention
- community partner collaborations, including Peel Regional Police
Crisis: 905-451-4655
Office: 905-795-3500
Visit Website
Specialized services for families coping with trauma involving sexual abuse or sexual assault * treatment focuses on remediating trauma of sexual abuse or assault, preventing future offences, and supporting family members when sexual abuse among siblings has occurred
Visit Website
Services and learning opportunities for newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada
Participates in LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) in English and French, upon assessment by Achēv -- see separate entry; childminding may be available for attendees
Settlement and Integration Services
- orientation, information
- translation and interpretation
- job board, job placement; resume preparation and assistance; interview and job search techniques
- counselling; support for children exposed to family violence
- information and referral
- violence prevention education
- cultural and linguistic support; peer support
- guest speakers on topics of interest
- recreational and social activities
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
Culturally appropriate mental health, addiction, violence prevention, settlement, geriatric, youth and family services, and community and leadership development in South Asian communities, including volunteer opportunities and student placements
Seniors and High Risk Seniors Services
Supportive services to assist in aging at home
- health promotion (diabetes education, tobacco prevention, healthy eating, cancer)
- domestic violence support and assistance
- women's and men's group programs
- group programs for youth and children
- parenting programs
- food bank services for abused women
- translation services
- resource development
- diversity training
Sahara Mental Health Program
Culturally and linguistically appropriate support for clients 16 years or over dealing with mental health challenges
- short term and long term case management
- early psychosis intervention for youth and adults 14-35 years
- supportive counselling to clients and family members
- concurrent disorder support group
- mobile community support group
Sahara Addiction Program
Culturally appropriate service to individuals and family members struggling with substance abuse
- case management
- addictions day program
- groups for men and women
- relapse prevention group
- coping skills for family members
- peer support program
- Sahara Opioid Addiction Program, including case management and prevention support group (collaboration with Home and Community Care Support Services Central West)
Settlement Services
Newcomer integration assistance, including information and referral, and information on training and skills development
- orientation sessions including Canadian laws and norms
- assistance in filling out government forms
- attestation of documents
- translation/interpretation services
- supportive counselling
Sahara Geriatric Program
Community support for seniors 55 years and older, including case management, referrals, crisis management, caregiver support and counselling
- Integrated Seniors Team (IST) Program in partnership with Peel Senior Link and Supportive Housing in Peel
- Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Day Program for caregivers of adults with cognitive impairments such as dementia
- education, assessments and capacity development in partnership with other community agencies
- Senior Caregivers Support Day Program, including separate and combined groups for women and men
Better Families Program
Support, groups, mentoring, and referrals for youth 13-24 years and their parents in addressing issues related to healthy interactions between families and communities
Community Development and Social Enterprise
Leadership and community development, and civic engagement for youth and adults in South Asian communities in Malton
Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Includes individual counselling, group counselling, e-counselling and phone counselling
Regional lead agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario (central region)
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Individual, couple, and family counselling, including walk-in counselling, on a range of issues
- couple conflict, separation, divorce
- grief and bereavement
- early childhood abuse (physical, emotional or sexual)
- mental and physical illness
- eating disorders, sleeping disorders
- financial difficulty, job loss
- parenting issues
- stress
Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transsexual/Transgender Questioning (LGBTTQ) Program
Counselling for youth, adults, and their families, on a variety of issues
- questioning sexual identity or 'coming out'
- teenagers experiencing interpersonal challenges
- family members seeking help on how to support a gay family member
- Transitional Care Centre -- regular service, visits (in person for family and caregiver with appointment)
- also available via phone/virtually telephone reassurance, supportive counselling and service coordination
- Family Health Organization, GAIN Community Team
- Adult Day Program -- in person and virtual care
- Diabetes Education Program -- assessment, consultation, group education
- Wellness and Community Development Program -- in person and virtual platform
- Vocational Training Centre -- in person and virtual platform
Adult Day Program -- Monday-Friday 9:30 am-3:30 pm, weekday extended hours, Saturday 10 am-3 pm, available in Scarborough and Richmond Hill
- for persons 55 years and older with special needs, such as physical frailty or mild memory impairment, in need of supervised, structured setting
- social and recreation activities, lunch, snack, personal care and health related services -- exercise, foot care, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy
- transportation available
- public education, seminars, workshops, information and referral
- individual counselling with nurse, dietitian and social worker
- health and education workshops, seminars
- caregiver education and support, information and referral
- workshop licensed by Self-Management Resource Centre
- caregiver support, volunteer development
- congregate dining -- fee, subsidies available
- transportation -- fee
- referrals, follow up
Geriatric Assessment & Intervention Network (GAIN) Community Team -- wrap around supported care and services with individualized comprehensive geriatric assessment, intensive case management, personalized care plan, service navigation
Home care services -- home help, homemaking, respite care, palliative care -- fee
Personal Care Program -- for seniors living in the community requiring higher level of care, care coordination, scheduled and unscheduled personal support workers' visit, security check
Integrated Dialysis Care Program -- Registered Nurses and Registered Practical Nurses visit home peritoneal dialysis patients at their home, health maintenance, nutritional counselling
Wellness and Social Program -- social, recreational and educational programs for persons 50 years and older, drop-in centre, friendship groups, interest classes, outings
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