Searching for Victims Of Abuse Support Programs

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
• email
• 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)

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

Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services of Halton (SAVIS)

• 24/7 crisis line 905-875-1555
• Anti-Human Trafficking Services 905-825-3622

Distress Centre Halton

• 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)

EFry Hope and Help for Women

• 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

Halton Women's Place

• 905-878-8555 (north Halton), 905-332-7892 (south Halton)

Access 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

Joseph Brant Hospital

• 905-632-3737

Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital

• 905-845-2571

Milton District Hospital

• 905-878-2383

Georgetown Hospital

• 905-873-0111
  
  

Support for people younger than 18 or have dependents younger than 18

Halton Children's Aid Society

• 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

Provides Information and assistance to support participation in and understanding of the criminal court process

• services begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
• information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
• needs assessment and referrals to community agencies
• crisis intervention, emotional support, victim advocacy
• facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids, trial preparation and court orientation
  
• information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
• facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
• debriefing and follow-up support

Vulnerable Victims and Family Fund -- financial and court-based supports to enable victims of crime and families of homicide victims to attend court

• travel arrangements and expenses
• language interpretation
• real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

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 12-week group education and counselling program on intimate partner violence and non-abusive ways of resolving conflict

• survivors/partners of the offender are provided with support including safety planning, referrals to community resources, and information on the offender's progress

The program helps participants to:

• take full responsibility for their behaviour
• understand the effects of their behaviour on their partner and their children
• identify and change attitudes that lead to abusive behaviour
• learn to respect the opinions and wishes of all family members

There are separate programs for men and women:

• groups are offered online
• men can join the online program from the Burlington office, if required
• individual sessions are provided for those with same sex-partners

The Hub provides assistance to women facing domestic abuse whether emotional, psychological, financial or physical

Supports include:

• support group where women feel safe to interact and share their experiences
• assisting survivors in getting the resources they need
• offering programs and classes to survivors that are culture and age group appropriate
• working with other organizations to help strengthen survivors emotional, social and financial situations

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

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

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:

• Halton Hills 10 and 11 Divisions
• Burlington 30 Division
• Milton 12 Division
• Oakville 20 Division

• support groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse


• support groups for family and friends of survivors

• health care system navigation
• assistance in filling out required forms or providing information required to access most appropriate services such as housing, financial support, etc.
• dealing with elder abuse/hoarding issues
• referrals to mental health agencies
• linking to support and services
• coordination of services with other agencies

• 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

The Halton Youth Justice Program (HYJP) deals with young persons between the ages of 12-17 years who have committed a criminal offence in the community

• designed to deal with youth in conflict with the law
• holds youth accountable for their actions
• offers opportunities for youth to deal with the underlying issues contributing to their criminal behaviour
• the program has a close relationship with other community agencies to assist young people and their families
• the program offers youth an opportunity to accept responsibility for their actions and appreciate their impact on victims and the community by addressing errant behaviours prior to a criminal charge being laid

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.

Community legal clinic that helps low income individuals living in Halton with their legal problems, for free

• office is located in Oakville, but staff are available to meet clients in Milton, Burlington, Oakville, and Halton Hills (Georgetown and Acton)
• community outreach clinics at various locations including local libraries, food banks, courthouses, and outreach organizations on a rotating basis

Depending on the kind of problem, may be able to help by providing:

• Summary Advice
• Brief Services
• Representation
• Referrals for legal problems they cannot assist with, and to other community organizations like food banks, social and health services, crisis intervention agencies, and navigation help

Support can be provided for:

• Income Support and Public Benefits
• Housing Law
• Employment Rights
• Human Rights
• Secondary Legal Consultation
• Indigenous Rights and Services
• Youth Rights

Mobile Legal Clinic

• serving Acton and Georgetown
• a lawyer on site providing free legal information and advice in each community on alternating Fridays
• schedule will be posted on social media

ID Clinic

• offering monthly ID Clinics to provide assistance with the legal barriers preventing members of the Trans, Non-Binary, and Queer communities from accurately identifying themselves on official documents
• more information on website (haltonlegal.ca/id-clinic)

Legal Health Check-Up

• an online check-up to help people who are living in poverty identify legal problems and get help
• if you do not have enough money to live on, a good home or job, or family, social and health supports, your legal health may be at risk
• visit website to take the check-up (legalhealthcheckup.ca)

Note:

• HCLS does not provide a full range of services, nor does it provide legal aid certificates
• callers needing certificates or help in family law, criminal law, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board compensation, etc. should contact a Legal Aid of Ontario office

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 begin once police have laid charges and continue until the court case is over
• information about victims' rights, the criminal justice process and their specific case (e.g., court dates)
• needs assessment and referrals to community agencies
• crisis intervention, emotional support, victim advocacy
• facilitates victim's input and liaises with Crown Attorneys, police, regarding bail, safety, resolution of charges, release conditions, publication bans, testimonial aids trial preparation and court orientation
• information and support on Victim Impact Statements, Statement on Restitution
• facilitates access to court orders, such as bail conditions, probation orders, peace bonds
• debriefing and follow-up support

• travel arrangements and expenses
• language interpretation
• real-time captioning or other equipment for victims with disabilities

• Legal Aid Certificate application office
• See main record for Legal Aid Ontario for details

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

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