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
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline
- call or text 9-8-8, or 1-833-456-4566
- national telephone and text suicide prevention and support
- see listing, MET7492
Distress Centre Halton
- Oakville: 905-849-4541
- Burlington: 905-681-1488
- North Halton: 905-877-1211
- Hamilton: 905-561-5800
- see listing, MHH0488
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 (under 18 yrs) 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)
- Counselling Line: 1-866-925-5454
- Crisis Text Line: text GOOD2TALKON to 686868
- 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-3 am)
- 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 daily 9 pm-12 midnight)
- 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, corrections officers, and nurses across the province
- able to provide in person peer support as needed
- 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: [email protected]
- 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 Mon-Fri 1 pm-9 pm)
- 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 at 905-333-4441 or 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
- free individual counselling for ages 16 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
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
Facilitates a victim's understanding of and passage through the familly court system.
Support provided includes:
- information on the family court process
- assistance in preparing for family court proceedings (documenting history of abuse, accessing Legal Aid)
- debriefing with clients following family court appearances
- 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
Oakville, ON, L6M 0L8
Services include:
- psychiatric assessment and treatment
- medication and symptom management
- case management, group and individual counselling
- relapse prevention planning and strategies
- collaboration and referral to community partners
- family/caretaker education and support
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+) - program of last resort where no other available private or public resource is available
Offers short-term support and essential expenses for victims, their immediate family members and witnesses in the immediate aftermath of a violent crime
- assistance may include 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 reimbursements are made to victims for the supports listed above
- financial support is also available for victims who sustained serious physical injuries during a crime and for parents of homicide victims and spouses of homicide victims
A Ministry of the Attorney General funded program delivered by the HRPS Victim Services Unit
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
Specially trained staff and volunteer crisis responders, who work with HRPS offering crisis intervention, emotional support, practical assistance and community referrals to victims of crime and tragedy throughout Halton Region
Crisis Intervention
- Unit is equipped to respond to crisis situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week, when requested by a police officer
- when called upon, volunteers respond where required and provide immediate assistance to serious incidents involving a broad spectrum of physical/psychological trauma, including:
- sudden death
- homicide and suicide
- assault, including sexual assault
- domestic violence
- elder abuse
- robberies
- motor vehicle collisions
Victim Quick Response Program
- provides quick limited financial assistance to victims of homicide, attempted murder, serious physical assault, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, criminal harassment, child abuse and hate crime
- for more information, visit OAK0194
Mobile Tracking System
- a GPS tracking device that acts as a personal alarm for individuals identified as "at risk" of further violence
- places a priority on victims safety and promotes an improved response to victims
Project Lifesaver
- a program that combines radio technology with a coordinated rapid response to help police locate wandering or missing individuals
- for more information, visit OAK9152
Vulnerable Person Registry
- this service allows a family member and/or caregivers of vulnerable persons to submit critical information to Halton Regional Police Service that may be used during an emergency situation
- for more information, visit OAK0076
A Victim Services Unit office is located in each of the Service's four divisions:
Oakville, ON, L6H 0G6
Responsible for investigating all reported cases of sexual assault as well as child abuse cases where the following has occurred:
- there is serious injury inflicted on a child
- the child has previously been a victim of abuse that has been investigated by police or the Halton Children's Aid Society
- the suspect under investigation has been previously investigated for abuse
CASA investigators are specially trained in:
- major case management
- search warrants
- interviewing
- sexual assault investigations
- offences against children
The CASA Unit maintains close working relationships with a number of community-based agencies, including:
Oakville, ON, L6M 3H8
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.
Oakville, ON, L6M 3H8
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 [email protected]
For more information about the Halton Regional Police Service Drug and Human Trafficking Unit, contact:
- 905-825-4747 ext. 5331, or email [email protected]
Oakville, ON, L6J 7W5
Works with individuals encountering mental health and/or substance use challenges that require short-term stabilization following a recent hospitalization(s), require immediate mental health or substance use support, are facing a high risk of relapse, or who have active concerns related to risk of harm to others * provides telephone support and mobile intervention to persons who are in crisis and have a mental health concern
- mobile team of mental health professionals and specially trained, plain-clothed police officers may also visit to help those in crisis remain safe in their own environment and connect with ongoing care
- help is available Mon to Sun, 24 hours a day
- not an emergency response unit
- if your situation is a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1
- COAST is provided through a partnership of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Halton Region Branch and the Halton Regional Police Service
Brampton, ON, L6Y 4M3
For crisis situations call 24.7 Crisis Support Peel Dufferin at 905-278-9036 or 1-888-811-2222 (Caledon & Dufferin)
For support, assessment and access to programs call Intake at 905-451-2123 or 1-877-451-2123, Monday to Friday 8 am-8 pm
Staff available through teleconferencing during regular business hours, all non-essential in-person meetings suspended, and internal events, training and workshops postponed; visit website for updates and information
Crisis support via phone to individuals experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis, and support to families, friends and caregivers
Mobile Crisis Response -- Team mental health professionals, social workers, nurses, and plain clothed police officers provide in-person support to individuals experiencing non-emergency, high risk, mental health crisis
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8
Crisis Support Workers provide support and assistance to survivors of human trafficking. Services include:
- crisis intervention
- crisis housing
- basic needs
- emotional support
- advocacy & accompaniment
- safety planning and/or risk assessment
- supportive counselling
- practical assistance for transportation & service accessibility
- system navigation and housing supports
- life skills and mentorship
Oakville, ON, L6L 5G8
Services include:
- 24-hour crisis line
- free individual counselling for ages 16 and up
- support services for friends and family members
- advocacy, support and accompaniment to Nina's Place, the police station and court
Public Education
- customized public education workshops are available for elementary and high school students, community members and agencies in Halton
- for more information or to book a free presentation contact [email protected], or visit - savisofhalton.org/public-presentations
Anti-Human Trafficking Services
- Case Workers provide support and assistance to survivors
- for more information, see listing - OAK0170
Halton Collaborative Against Human Trafficking
- created to raise awareness about human trafficking in Halton and surrounding area
- for more information, see listing - OAK0047
Telephone response to persons in need of immediate emotional support, crisis intervention or suicide prevention, including links to other emergency services or professional help as appropriate; support available on a variety of issues
- emotional distress
- marginalization and/or social isolation
- family violence
- mental health crisis
- risk of suicide
- addictions
- mental and physical health concerns
- interpersonal relationships, including parenting
- stress or anxiety related to health or mental health
- depression or sadness
- loss and grief
- isolation and loneliness
- assault and abuse
- financial stress, work issues or job loss
- settlement, integration or relocation issues
- separation and divorce
- sexual orientation, gender identity or coming out issues
Brampton, ON, L6V 1A2
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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
24-hour Crisis Line Support Line Program, 905-403-0864, 905-676-8515, 1-855-676-8515
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, 905-676-0257, 1-800-676-0257
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 their 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
- 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
Mississauga, ON, L4Z 1T2
- covering issues such as bullying, drugs and alcohol, domestic violence, mental health, suicide and self-harm, relationships, marriage and divorce, sexuality, sexual assault, spirituality and religion
- free-web-theraphy program for Canadian residents
- confidential, anonymous and non-judgmental
Brampton, ON, L6X 5A5
Psychotherapy services including crisis intervention, individual, couple and family counselling, therapeutic groups and psycho-educational workshops, community support and outreach
Sexual assault centre
Clinical intervention by regulated health professionals; provincially designated Sexual Assault Centre (SAC) for Peel Region
Enhanced Wellness Program (EWP)
Outreach program includes 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
Sexual violence prevention and resiliency building programs in elementary and secondary schools across Peel Region
Member agency of Support Services Network for Male Survivors in Ontario
Mississauga, ON, L5B 3B9
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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
Services also offered at Safe Centre of Peel, 60 West Drive, Suite 110, Brampton
Stratford, ON, N4Z 1G8
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Mississauga, ON, L5B 1B8
Chantel's Place
- one-to-one care in a safe, private, secure unit
- assessment, documentation of injuries
- treatment
- safety planning, emotional support
- information concerning medical, legal and counseling options
- follow-up medical care including re-documentation of injuries, range of medical services and referral to social service agencies
- free counselling for people who have been referred through the medical services
- counselling at Mississauga Hospital site
Provides online early-stage emotional support
- chat answered by trained volunteers