Searching for Crisis Lines For Abused People
Located near Kitchener
Dial 2-1-1. Our helpline is answered by real people 24/7 and service is available in 150+ languages.
- Provide emotional support and intervention, options, information, referrals, as well as advocacy and accompaniments
- Phone support is available in more than 200 languages through an interpreter service
- Online chat support available as well, see website for availability.
Can be reached by text, instructions on website for how to erase browser history. Also offer translation services, both in person and on the phone.
This is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs.
Can be reached by text, instructions on website for how to erase browser history. Also offer translation services, both in person and on the phone.
This is a free service, both in shelter and outreach programs.
Crisis: 519-836-5710
TTY: 1-800-265-7233
Visit Website
- 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
Crisis (Mon-Sun 24 hours): 519-836-5710 / 1 -800-265-7233 (1 -800-265-SAFE)
Fax: 519-836-1979
TTY: 1-800-265-7233
Visit Website
Programs include Marianne's Place (shelter), Transitional and Housing Support Program, Family Court Support Program, Rural Women's Support Program, Sexual Assault Centre, 24-hour Crisis Line, and the Anti-Human Trafficking Program.
Crisis: 519-836-5710
Toll Free Crisis: 1-800-265-7233
Visit Website
- 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
Provides a trauma-informed, harm reduction, intersectional approach and response to crisis, working from an anti-racism, anti-oppression framework.
Additional e-mail address: adminsac@gwwomenincrisis.org
Immediate support, as well as accompaniment to hospital, police or court, is available through the 24-hour crisis and support line
Community education and presentations are available to community members and groups upon request
Programs and services include:
- Crisis Line, Online Chat Service and Emergency Shelter - Offering a 24-hour crisis and support line and an online chat service. The agency operates a 33-bed emergency shelter (including two fully accessible rooms) for women and children escaping violence, abuse or homelessness and providing a safe haven, meals, support, information and referrals to community resources
- Transitional and Housing Support - Assisting women who have experienced violence or abuse in their relationship and are transitioning. Support workers help to develop a plan to leave an abusive relationship, to transition into a shelter, to transition from a shelter to the community, or to transition from an abusive living environment to an independent, violence-free life. The second-stage housing program offers transitional units (including two wheelchair-accessible units) with additional wrap-around support for women and children
- Counselling Services and Family Programs including:
- Trauma-informed counselling for individuals who have experienced violence or abuse in their relationships to support their healing journey
- Caring Families program to help parents/caregivers create respectful adult relationships and a positive co-parenting approach with their children
- Child Witness program for children who have witnessed violence or abuse against their mothers
- Challenge to Change program for individuals who have been abusive towards their partners or are at risk of using abusive bahaviours and includes partner contact, youth support services, PAR (for men and women) and SCRIBE
- Family Court Support - Providing information, resources, support and accompaniment for clients to family court, lawyer's appointments and also assist in navigating the family court system
- Community Engagement and Public Education - Raising awareness through presentations/seminars/webinars delivered to community agencies, schools, businesses, clubs, religious institutions and other groups on domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual harassment and healthy relationships
- Volunteer Program - Volunteers play a major role with fundraising and special events and assist staff in providing services and programs to clients. Positions include Boutique Assistant, Child and Youth Program Assistant, Donations Facilitator, Special Events Volunteer and Receptionist
- Closet Couture Boutique - A social enterprise providing new and gently used women's clothing. By opening Closet Couture, the organization has the opportunity to transform generous clothing donations into much-needed funds to support the women and children who need services by selling new and previously loved women's fashion
- 24 hour crisis support line and online chat service
- 33 bed shelter for women and children escaping violence, abuse or homelessness
- Providng meals, toiletries, clothing, baby essentials, emergency transportation and referrals to community resources
- Crisis/Help/Support Line
- Residential Shelter Services
- Transitional Resource Program
- Family Court Support
- Community Support, System Navigation
- Supportive Groups and Counselling
Program designed for children/adolescents who come from a home where their mother has been abused • weekly group offers participants the opportunity to talk about their feelings, learn how to express anger appropriately and improve self-esteem • a group for mothers is held concurrently which helps teach them how to support their child/teen • assistance with transportation and child care for siblings may be available • transportation can be coordinated. Free and confidential.
Community Support Program
One-on-one and group support for women in Oxford who have experienced abuse from an intimate partner. Offers an opportunity for women to share their experiences, learn about abuse and trauma, and develop coping skills for their recovery journey.
- Transportation support can be coordinated.
- Free and confidential.
Office: 519-273-1020
Crisis: 1-800-265-8598
Visit Website
|
PRIDE (Parent Resources for Information, Development and Education) - Pre service training program for prospective foster and adoptive parents * identifies the challenges and opportunities of caring for children and families facing difficulties
Family Violence (0- 18 years) - Promotes safety * group and one-on-one counselling for women and children
Partner Assault Response (PAR) (13-18 years) - Specialized counselling and educational services for people who have assaulted their partners * court ordered program
Men Accepting Responsibility to Change Program (MARC) - The Partner Response Program for men is a 12 week psycho-educational program for people who have used violence and abuse towards their intimate partner including a spouse or or partner. Victims/partners of the individual referred into the program are provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and updates about the group member progress.
Oxford Child Witness Program (7-18 years) - Court preparation and support for children, teens and their families
Children Exposed to Family Violence (0-16 years) - Group that introduces children to the idea of healthy, non-abusive family relationships, helps them understand that they are not to blame for the violence within their home and works to increase self-esteem
Women's Focus Group (13-18 years) - Counselling services to women who have experienced a violent relationship
Teen Dating Violence Forum (13-18 years) - Opportunity for teenage girls to reach out for help
This is a general overview of Crisis & Distress resources, serving Halton region
- In an emergency call 9-1-1 for police, fire and/or ambulance
- for emergency shelters in Halton and surrounding area, see listing BTN4778
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
- see listing, BTN4032
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
- see listing, MHH0509
ALL AGES
Distress Centre Halton
- Oakville: 905-849-4541
- Burlington: 905-681-1488
- North Halton: 905-877-1211
- Hamilton: 905-561-5800
- see listing, MHH0488
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
- see listing, MET2199
Addiction & Gambling
ConnexOntario
- 1-866-531-2600 or text CONNEX to 247247
- online chat
- access to addiction, mental health and problem gambling services
- see listing, LON6230
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
- see listing, MET8105
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
- see listing, MET1991
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
- see listing, MET6983
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
- see listing, MET2344
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
- see listing, PEL1127
Youthspace.ca (available Mon-Sun 9 pm-3 am)
- Text line 778-783-0177
- Online crisis and emotional support chat service for youth
- chat online or via text message
- conversations limited to 60 minutes
- see listing, IMP0305
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
- see listing, OAK0181
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
- see listing, IMP0326
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
- see listing, IMP0327
Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line
- 1-866-925-4419
- immediate and culturally appropriate counselling supports to former students who are experiencing distress
- see website
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
- see listing, MET7095
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
- see listing, IMP0092
Interligne
- Phone or Text 1-888-505-1010
- confidential information and support service for individuals concerned with sexual orientation and gender identity issues
- service offered through telephone, text, chat, and email
- Acts of Homophobia Registry
- see listing, IMP0133
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
- see website
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
- see listing, IMP0122
Sexual Assault and Domestic/Family Violence
YOUTH
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting (see full listing, BTN0483)
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
- see listing, BTN2544
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
- see listing, OAK2741
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
- see listing, MET4619
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
- see listing, MET5691
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
- see listing, MET5690
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)
For a larger list of resources available, visit General Crisis Intervention Hotlines or Distress Phone Lines
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)
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
- 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
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.
Outreach Services available:
- 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
Ratiweintehta's (They are Learning) Alternative Learning Classroom located at the Youth Lodge
- 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
Service Coordination:
- 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
Offers text message and web chat support for women experiencing abuse and homelessness. Provides confidential emotional support, practical advice, safety planning, and referrals to other local services.