Searching for Counselling For Abused People

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
* call for information about dates, times and locations of the programs

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

Major services:
Counselling
* individual, couples, family and group treatment
* individual counselling for survivors of sexual abuse

Client Advocacy
* assistance to cope successfully within the system

Employee assistance services
* improving employee welfare and productivity, trauma intervention, management, consulting

Grief Counselling

Service for Abused Women
* individual and group counselling
* group counselling for children

Other Locations:
North Halton
Milton
Burlington Head Office

Major services:
* identify and remediate the traumatic impact of interpersonal abuse
* provide support, education and intervention to all non-offending family members or caregivers impacted by their child's trauma
* for sexually abused and/or abusive children, adolescents and their families
* family and individual assessment, treatment and long term support
* group therapy for female and male victims, non-offending mothers, juvenile sex offenders and offending parents
* self help component for the offending adolescent and a comprehensive family assessment
* also offers Training and Consultation programs

* Trauma Assessments: determines the effects of interpersonal abuse, most effective treatment approach

* Trauma Treatment: following assessment, a client may enter into a recommended combination of individual and family therapy

* Sexualized Behaviour Assessments/Treatment for children under 12 years that are involved in inappropriate sexual behaviours

* Risk Assessments/Treatment for sexually offending youths between the ages of 12-18 years, to understand the circumstances leading to the sexual offending behaviour(s), risks, strengths and treatment needs

* Sibling Incest Assessments/Treatment for families where sibling-on-sibling sexual abuse has occurred including a trauma assessment for the victimized child, a risk assessment

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

Offers a wide range of services and learning opportunities to newcomers to facilitate their settlement and integration into Canada

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

Family Support Program

• counselling and support for women exposed to family violence
• information and referral
• violence prevention education

COVID19 Support available remotely, call 905-450-1608 ext 112; telephone and virtual psychotherapy, emotional support, crisis intervention, safety planning, risk assessment, and information and referrals

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

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

COVID-19 -- maintain all essential services including supportive housing, assisted living, home care, transportation for essential visits, providing hot meals, frozen meals and food hampers to seniors and people needing isolation

• 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

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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

Chinese Bereavement Services -- culturally specific bereavement services, individual support and self help group

• public education, seminars, workshops, information and referral

Chronic Disease Self Management Program -- 6 week workshop for adults with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis

• 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

Community Outreach -- outreach programs for those living in seniors apartments and suburban areas, retirement groups, seniors self help groups, community, wellness and health education

• caregiver support, volunteer development

Community support services -- escort to medical appointments, telephone security checks, friendly visiting, hospice visiting, grocery shopping, client intervention and assistance -- free

• congregate dining -- fee, subsidies available
• transportation -- fee
• referrals, follow up

Elder Abuse Prevention Program -- Chinese Elder Abuse Helpline 416-502-2321, elder abuse education, supportive counselling

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

Child, Youth and Parenting

• supportive counselling for parents and families dealing with cultural and inter-generational conflict- culturally and linguistically responsive
• positive parenting strategies and helps families understand the range of supports available
• crisis intervention and risk assessment, system navigational support, linkages to resources for youth and families
• support in areas such as challenges or conflict over social norms, family violence/breakdown, mental health, developmental disability, dealing with anxiety and stress, identifying abusive behaviours and healthy versus unhealthy relationships, coping strategies for families dealing with separation, divorce, co-parenting or parenting in blended families

Community Mental Health Support

• Housing and Support in Peel (HASP) in partnership with Supportive Housing in Peel (SHIP) delivers housing support services to clients residing in SHIP units including case management, service coordination, and person-centred centered support planning
• advocates with landlords, hospitals, psychiatrists
• skills development to improve quality of life, resolve day to day conflicts, manage setbacks and increase independence and housing stability

Family Court Support Services

• support to victims of domestic violence navigating the family court system
• helps clients understand their rights and to make informed decisions on matters related to custody, child support, spousal support, and division of property and assets
• helps clients to understand and navigate court appearances and lawyer appointments; safety planning and risk assessments
• assistance documenting the history of abuse
• court accompaniment where appropriate

ACES Program for Women (Advocacy, Counselling, Empowerment & Safety)

• culturally sensitive counselling for women who are victims of domestic/family violence and abuse
• crisis intervention, counselling, risk assessment, safety planning, transitional support, educational workshops, assistance with legal issues and advocacy, and referrals to community resources
• women's groups to support health and wellness
• support groups for women and children who have witnessed partner abuse through the Helping End Abuse for Life (HEAL) network
• French service through partners OASIS or La Maison d'Hébergement (see separate listing)

Intersections: Support for 2SLGBTQ+ Newcomers

• drop-in, safe space, for settlement information with a 2SLGTBQ+ lens
• private, confidential, one-to-one settlement support
• peer mentoring
• referral to other services
• workshops and information sessions
• resource library, and social activities such as movies, art and crafts
• promotes welcoming communities through community presentations and information sessions

Services also offered at Safe Centre of Peel, 60 West Drive, Suite 110, Brampton

COVID19 24/7 Crisis Line Support Program, Central Intake Line, Emergency Shelter Program, and Community Support and Outreach Program continue without disruption, as well as all support and counselling programs and services; enhanced screening in place using Ontario Ministry of Health Assessment Tool, PPE, and antigen test

• 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

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24-hour Crisis Line Support Line Program
Immediate support to survivors in the community who are experiencing any form of violence, including crisis support and intervention, risk assessment and safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, problem solving and shelter intake

Central Intake Line for Transitional Housing Supports in Peel Region
First point of contact for transitional housing support program and community outreach services

• 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

Emergency Shelter Program
24/7 intake for individuals and there dependents (up to 18 years) who have experienced, are currently experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing any form of violence

• 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

Sexual Violence Counselling Program
Emotional support and counselling, support groups, and information and referral, available in-person or remotely (phone, email, online)

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

Community Support and Outreach Program
Including safety planning, emotional support, information and referrals, and problem-solving, and assistance in accessing housing and shelter support, and legal and immigration support

COVID19 Transitional supports available, including in-home and remote casework

Culturally sensitive transitional shelter and essential supports for women leaving violence, and remote casework and mental health support for adults and youth

Resident and remote services:

• counselling and treatment programs
• financial assistance and help securing housing
• supports for health and mental health
• education assistance and life skills training
• employment supports including resume workshops, interview preparation, help finding employment
• assistance with immigration issues
• access to legal advice and assistance applying for Legal AID
• referrals including legal, financial, immigration, employment, food
• safety planning and follow-up
• capacity 12

Training and awareness for community organizations

COVID19

• services provided by phone, online or in-person; walk-ins welcome
• group sessions offered in-person and online
• LINC classes offered in-person and online

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Settlement Services -- needs 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
• connection with community and volunteer opportunities
• seasonal income tax clinic
• monthly Service Canada clinics OAS, GIS, CPP, CPP disability and survival benefits
• weekly English conversation circle

Financial Literacy Services-- Newcomers are assisted to build skills and tools they need to take control of their financial lives. Through weekly guided sessions newcomers understand financial literacy concepts in addition to the connection between income and careers, and how student loans work.

Refugee Settlement Services -- a full range of settlement services tailored to the needs of newcomers in Arabic, Dari, Farsi, and Ukrainian languages.

Women's Wellness Services- wellness support services available in women-only setting to support newcomer women in enhancing their wellness literacy. Women participate in weekly wellness-related sessions to overcome their day-to-day challenges through guided wellness-focused activities

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

Transitional Housing Support Program -- women and their children or dependents who identify as victims of family violence are provided referrals to transitional housing or temporary shelter or application for subsidized housing ; these applications are considered Special Priority status due to high safety concerns

Newcomer Mental Health Program -- culturally appropriate counselling support for newcomer individuals, couples and families

• Crisis Intervention Services - additional support for clients who encounter problems and crisis adjusting to life in Canada
• 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

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
* call for information about dates, times and locations of the programs

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

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

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

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
* call for information about dates, times and locations of the programs

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

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 South Halton/Head office in Burlington

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)

Abuse prevention programs, including one-to-one counselling and therapy groups, intervention and crisis support, education and support services, South Asian Seniors Program, violence against women program, Peel Elder Abuse Support Program, New Beginnings group, Partner Assault Response Program

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)