Searching for Crisis Lines For Abused People

Working in partnership with community service agencies, the HRPS' Elder Services Unit responds and assists seniors and their families in a number of key areas, including:

• issues of neglect
• financial abuse
• physical and/or psychological mistreatment

To deter and prevent the perpetuation of crime against seniors living and working in the community, the Halton Regional Police Service Elder Services Unit offers a series of topical presentations to older adults, their families and service providers.

HRPS' Elder Services Unit consists of three Seniors Crime Investigators, an Elder Services Coordinator, District Community Response Officers and the Victim Services Unit.

A regional enforcement unit, supervised by a Detective Sergeant, divided into three teams of specially trained investigators, two drug teams and one human trafficking team, who investigate all major drug and Human Trafficking matters in the Region of Halton

• teams work in conjunction with all three districts in the Halton Region

The unit is responsible for:

• human trafficking investigations (both domestic and international - including but not limited to the sex trade, forced labour or domestic servitude)
• prostitution investigation (including street prostitution, escort services and disorderly houses - common bawdy houses)
• adult entertainment premises investigations (including commercial massage parlours)
• gaming-related investigations
• liquor licence premises investigations

Human trafficking is the exploitation, manipulation or control of a person by violence, or threats of violence, to provide a sexual service or forced labour.

To provide confidential information or tips related to human trafficking contact:

• HRPS Drug and Human Trafficking Unit, 905-825-4747 ext 5331 or email HTVICE@haltonpolice.ca

For more information about the Halton Regional Police Service Drug and Human Trafficking Unit, contact:

• 905-825-4747 ext. 5331, or email Drugs@haltonpolice.ca

• Intake - the first person a client will speak to, whether by the Crisis Line or walk-in. The Intake Worker will complete the Intake package with the client to determine the appropriate programs and services
• Transitional Support Services - provides supportive, individual long and short-term transitional planning, safety planning, advocacy and referral services to individuals who are seeking violence-free lives and a holistic well-being

• Women's Program: Women's individual and/or group counselling, support advocacy, liaison for women living in high-risk situations
  
• Child & Youth Program: Children's individual and/or group counselling, support advocacy, liaison for children living in high-risk situations
  
• Youth Lodge: 6-bed co-ed residence for youth ages 12-18 experiencing serious difficulties in their lives
  
• Men's Program: Support and counselling available for men who have been abused or are abusive
  
• Emergency Shelter: 24-hour safe shelter for abused individuals and their children; provides in-house individual and group counselling
  
• Next Step Housing: Individuals and their children who require housing on reserve may stay up to 2 years Individual and group counselling supports are available
  
• Community Education: Available to present information to the community regarding the dynamics of abuse and its effects on individuals, families, and communities

• a co-ed residence for First Nations youth ages 12-18 experiencing serious difficulties in their lives
  
• provides a therapeutic approach intended to help participants to recognize their less effective behaviours and through self-evaluation, to learn to make more effective choices
  
• residents share in the daily upkeep of the lodge, attend school or a work/volunteer program, and participate in programming

• clients that are high school age and are no longer attending regular classes in a mainstream secondary school are eligible to attend the Section 23 classroom
  
• educational program is designed to address student's individual academic, social and emotional needs while obtaining high school credits

• client intake interviews
  
• information gathering
  
• coordinating and monitoring service plans
  
• coordinating services for clients
  
• client advocacy
  
• referrals

• attending and participating in court proceedings involving Children's Aid Societies
  
• consultations and consent to adoptions
  
• outreach and repatriation service
  
• receiving notification of and monitoring Temporary Care Agreements with Children's Aid Societies

• individual counselling
  
• family counselling
  
• group counselling
  
• life skills counselling
  
• community parenting programs
  
• community education workshops as requested

• assessment and service planning in relation to treatment goals
  
• individual counselling
  
• family/sibling counselling
  
• couple counselling
  
• facilitating therapeutic groups (such as social skills, anger management)
  
• presentations on psychosocial or mental health issues
  
• referrals to external agencies
  
• liaison with schools and other service providers
  
• Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) program - support for children who are struggling with serious behavioural issues

• a short term service option through the Clinical Services Unit

• workshops for the community (such as stress management)
  
• special events for the community (such as community awareness agency events)
  
• community programs for ages 6 and up (such as after school programs, family fun night, parent relief)
  
• Resource Development Services has a library and free computer access for community use
  
• volunteer recruitment training and support

• enhance parental and family functioning
  
• strengthen family support
  
• build on existing skills
  
• decrease risks of developmental delays
  
• prevent family breakdowns
  
• support other community services in helping young children and their families
  
• support well-being throughout the community

• 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  
• provides immediate crisis response services to children and families in their school, home or community

• provides a range of direct and indirect service to children and youth experiencing mental health and addiction related difficulties
  
• to assess and develop individual service plans
  
• assist in development and delivery of programs and services to the broader community

This is a general overview of Crisis & Distress resources, serving Halton region

• for a larger list of resources available, visit General Crisis Intervention Hotlines or Distress Phone Lines
• for emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see here

In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance

Other three-digit (N11) helplines serving Halton

• 811 - Health Care Information & Service Navigation Assistance (Health Connect Ontario)
• 711 - Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS, relay service, IP-relay)
• 611 - Telephone Service Provider
• 511 - Provincial Road Conditions & Tow Truck Services, in restricted Tow Zones (Ontario 511)
• 411 - Commercial & Residential Directory Assistance (YellowPages)
• 311 - Regional Services Intake & Information, Public & Family Health Information Line (Access Halton)
• 211 - Community Information, Resource & Service Navigation (Ontario 211)

General Crisis & Distress

YOUTH (17 yrs & younger)

ROCK (Reach Out Centre for Kids)

• 905-878-9785
• for children and youth in crisis, and caregivers/community members
• more information

ADULTS (16 yrs & older)

COAST (Crisis Outreach and Support Team)

• 1-877-825-9011
• telephone support and mobile intervention program for those who are in crisis and have a mental health concern
• more information

ALL AGES

Distress Centre Halton

• Oakville: 905-849-4541
• Burlington: 905-681-1488
• North Halton: 905-877-1211
• Hamilton: 905-561-5800
• more information

Wellness Together Canada

• Adults: 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741​
• Youth: 1-888-668-6810 or text WELLNESS to 686868
• PocketWell App
• many online resources
• more information

Addiction & Gambling

ConnexOntario

• 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247
• online chat
• email
• access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services
• more information

Caregivers

Ontario Caregiver Organization

• Toll free helpline 1-833-416-2273 (CARE)
• supports Ontario's caregivers by being the one point of contact for information about existing services and supports
• online chat
• peer and community support groups
• more information

Children and Youth Mental Health

One Stop Talk (available Mon-Fri 12 noon-8 pm & Sat 12 noon-4 pm)

• 1-855-416-8255
• connect directly with a counsellor through online chat, video and voice
• offers children, youth (within 18 years of age) and their families immediate access to free mental health support through single session counselling and ensures direct referral to additional service when needed
• services are provided through an integrated network of infant, child and youth mental health agencies across Ontario
• more information

Kids Help Phone

• 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
• online chat
• bilingual help-line provides free counselling, information and referral on anonymous basis to children and youth
• ages 5-30
• more information

Good2Talk (post-secondary school students)

• 1-866-925-5454
• provides information and referrals about services and supports for mental health, addictions and well-being on and off campus or speak anonymously with a professional counsellor
• more information

Naseeha (available daily, 12 noon-12 midnight)

• Helpline and Text line: 1-866-627-3342
• Muslim youth helpline serving Muslim and non-Muslim youth across North America
• a safe zone for youths and individuals to talk and get the help they need
• provides workshops, web therapy sessions, and phone & texting mental health support
• more information

First Responders

Boots on the Ground

• Toll free 1-833-677-2668
• peer support for first responders
• services offered to retired and serving police officers, firefighters, EMS and corrections officers across the province
• able to provide in person peer support 24/7 in the GTA
• more information

Indigenous peoples

Hope for Wellness Helpline

• 1-855-242-3310
• online chat
• a mental health helpline, telephone or online chat, for Indigenous peoples
• provides immediate, culturally relevant crisis counselling support
• refers callers to additional supports if needed
• more information

TALK4HEALING

• Helpline and Text line: 1-855-554-4325 (1-855-554-HEAL)
• online chat
• 24/7 help, support and resources for Indigenous women, by Indigenous women, all across Ontario
• services in 14 Indigenous languages
• more information

Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line

• 1-866-925-4419
• immediate and culturally appropriate counselling supports to former students who are experiencing distress
• more information

2SLGBTQ+

LGBT YouthLine (available Sun to Fri, 4 pm-9:30 pm)

• Text 647-694-4275
• email: helpline@youthline.ca
• online chat
• peer support by email, text and online chat
• information and referral
• anonymous and confidential
• Youth Line blog
• referral database of LGBTQ+ youth services
• more information

Trans Lifeline (available daily 5 pm-1 am)

• Toll free 1-877-330-6366
• a hot-line that is staffed by transgender people for transgender people in crisis
• based out of the USA
• more information

Veterans

Veterans Affairs Canada Assistance Service

• Toll free 1-800-268-7708
• TTY 1-800-567-5803
• psychological support for veterans, former RCMP members, their families and caregivers
• more information

VETS (Veterans Emergency Transition Services) Canada

• 1-888-228-3871
• for Canadian veterans who are in crisis, at risk of becoming homeless or are homeless and their family members
• more information

Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence

YOUTH

Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (see full listing here)

For children in need of care/protection, report to either:

• Halton Children's Aid Society toll free 1-866-607-5437
• Halton Regional Police Service, Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Bureau at (non-emergency) 905-825-4747 ext 8970

ADULTS

Halton Womens Place

• South Halton: 905-332-7892
• North Halton: 905-878-8555
• 24 hour crisis lines and shelter for abused women and their dependent children, emergency transportation to shelter available
• more information

SAVIS (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Services)

• 24 hour crisis line: 905-875-1555
• 24 hour anti-human trafficking crisis support line: 289-837-3999
• free individual counselling for ages 14 and up
• support services for friends and family members
• advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
• more information

Femaide

• 1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)
• provincial crisis line and confidential services for Francophone women who are victims or survivors of any form of violence or are in distress
• crisis intervention, support and referral to community agencies
• more information

Assaulted Women's Helpline

• 1-866-863-0511 or text #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone
• telephone crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals to emergency shelters, legal information and community services
• ages 16 and up
• more information

Seniors Safety Line

• 1-866-299-1011
• 24 hour crisis and support line for seniors in Ontario who have experienced any type of abuse or neglect
• more information

By law, any individual (including professionals, officials and members of the public) witnessing or with reasonable grounds to suspect an act of child abuse, neglect, abandonment, desertion or need for protection must report the incident to:
Halton Children's Aid Society, 905-333-4441

If the matter is urgent and the Children's Aid Society cannot be reached, call Halton Regional Police Service, 905-825-4777 ext 8970

The Duty to Report applies to any child who is, or appears to be, under the age of 16 years, and to children already under a child protection order who are 16 and 17 years old

On January 1, 2018, Ontario raised the age of protection from 16 to 18. A professional, or member of the public, who is concerned that a 16 or 17 year old is or may be in need of protection may, but is not required to, make a report to a society and the society is required to assess the reported information

The Duty to Report applies even when the information is otherwise confidential or privileged, and overrides any other provincial statutes, specifically any provisions that would otherwise prohibit someone from making a disclosure.
Visit Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect: It's Your Duty which provides definitions as well as responsibilities of professionals, officials and members of the public under the Child and Family Services Act (or download brochure here)

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

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)

• Crisis Line and Emergency Shelter - 33 emergency beds for abused and/or homeless women and children. Open 24/7 providing a safe haven, meals, support, and referrals to community resources

• Transitional Housing: Maria House - 8 residential units for longer-term residential stays for women and children in a setting that combines independent living with counselling and support

• Outreach- services for women wanting to make the transition to independent, violence-free living. Includes safety planning, accompaniment (i.e. to court, lawyer's office), home support, referrals and follow-up

• Counselling Services include:
  • Abuse Recovery Groups (for women 18+)
  • Caring Families (for high conflict families and their children)
  • Children Exposed to Domestic Violence (for children ages 6-16)
  • Mothers in Mind (for mothers and their children ages 0-5)
  • Challenge to Change ( PAR for men and women, SCRIBE for men only)

• Family Court Support - provide support and accompaniment for clients to family court, lawyers appointments and assist in navigating the Family Court system

• Violence Prevention and Community Outreach - presentations/seminars delivered to elementary students, secondary students, post-secondary institutions, service clubs, churches, businesses and other groups on such topics as domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual harassment and healthy relationships

• Partner Assault Response (PAR) 12-week group education and counselling program on domestic violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict
• victims/partners of the offender provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on offender's progress

• Volunteer Program - volunteers play a major role in fundraising and assisting staff with programs and services. Positions include Shelter Assistant, Emergency Child care Provider, Volunteer Driver, Housing and Employment Assistant, Tutor, Special Events Volunteer, Receptionist. Skilled volunteers also offer services such as massage therapy, yoga, and hairdressing on a regular basis to residential clients
  
  
  
• Closet Couture Boutique - social enterprise - high end second hand women's clothing

• crisis phone line
• 33 emergency beds for abused and/or homeless women and children
• provides safe haven, meals, support, and referrals to community resources

• 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

• 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

• community and client meetings available by phone or online
• sexual violence counselling available by phone or online
• online Anti-Black Racism Sexual Violence Support Group
• 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program 905-403-0864, 905-676-8515, or 1-855-676-8515
• Central Intake Line 905-676-0257 or 1-800-676-0257 for Transitional Housing supports available 9 am-4:30 pm
• for donations, contact Julie Shultz, Development Manager, julie@embrave.ca
• visit website for updates and service information

• one-to-one support
• risk assessment and safety planning
• emotional support
• legal support (criminal, family, immigration)
• housing supports
• information and referrals
• problem-solving, advocacy
• shelter access

• capacity 54
• stay up to 4 months
• service provided regardless of geographical location
• referrals to alternative shelters as required based on safety or capacity issues

• pressuring/convincing
• sexual assault
• childhood sexual abuse
• sexual harassment
• online sexual violence

• sessions include identifying and defining abuse and neglect, prevention, intervention, and support for older adults who have been abused

• immediate telephone support and information through 24-hour Crisis Line
• individual / group counselling and support
• accompaniment to hospital / police / court
• advocacy / court preparation / community referrals
• assistance with victim impact statements
• sexual harassment support / accompaniment
• risk assessments and safety planning
• information on and support through legal / medical / immigration processes and options
• information on sexual assault / sexual harassment / childhood sexual abuse / incest / stalking
• housing or emergency shelter support
• substance use community supports
• support for family / friends of sexually violated survivors
• facilitated culturally appropriate connections
• public education, training, targeted outreach
• client library and resource materials

• confidential and anonymous
• connection to appropriate services - safe shelter, safety planning, legal / medical / housing assistance, counselling
• referral / liaison with other community supports and resources
• support for family members and concerned friends