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What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence (also called intimate partner violence or IPV) is a pattern of abusive behavior used to gain power and control over a partner or family member. It can include:
- Physical Abuse – Hitting, slapping, choking, or any form of physical harm.
- Emotional/Psychological Abuse – Insults, threats, gaslighting, or constant humiliation.
- Financial Abuse – Controlling money, preventing work, or stealing finances.
- Sexual Abuse – Forced or coerced sexual acts, including marital rape.
- Digital Abuse – Monitoring texts, social media, or using technology to harass.
- Coercive Control – Isolating from friends/family, dictating choices, or stalking.
- Spiritual/Cultural Abuse – Using religion or culture to justify abuse or restrict freedom.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, or background. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available.
Supports for Women Leaving Domestic Violence in Canada
Domestic violence is a serious issue affecting thousands of women across Canada. Leaving an abusive relationship can be incredibly difficult due to financial, emotional, and safety concerns. Fortunately, Canada offers a range of supports to help women escape violence and rebuild their lives. This article outlines key resources available, including shelters, financial aid, legal protections, and counseling services.
1. Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing
Women fleeing abuse can access safe, confidential shelters across Canada. These facilities provide:
- Immediate safety: 24/7 secure housing for women and children.
- Basic necessities: Food, clothing, and personal care items.
- Counseling and support: Many shelters offer crisis counseling and safety planning.
🔹 How to Find a Shelter:
- Call 211 (community helpline) or visit ShelterSafe.ca for a map of shelters.
- Contact Assaulted Women’s Helpline (Ontario): 1-866-863-0511.
2. Financial Assistance
Financial abuse is a common barrier to leaving. Canada provides financial aid through:
- Provincial Social Services: Income support, emergency funds (e.g., Ontario Works).
- Rent Supplements & Subsidized Housing: Some provinces offer priority housing for survivors.
- Canada Child Benefit (CCB): Tax-free monthly payments for low-income parents.
3. Legal Protections & Free Legal Help
- Protection Orders: Women can apply for emergency protection orders (EPOs) or restraining orders without fees in many provinces.
- Legal Aid: Free or low-cost legal representation for family court, custody, and divorce.
- Victim Services Programs: Help with navigating the justice system (e.g., VictimLinkBC: 1-800-563-0808).
4. Counseling & Emotional Support
- Crisis Lines:
- Canada’s National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) (available 24/7).
- Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (for children affected by abuse).
- Trauma Therapy: Many organizations offer free counseling (e.g., YWCA, Canadian Mental Health Association).
5. Employment & Education Programs
- Job Training: Organizations like Réseau des femmes d’affaires du Québec help survivors gain skills.
- Educational Support: Some provinces offer grants for survivors returning to school.
6. Indigenous-Specific Supports
Indigenous women face higher rates of violence. Specialized resources include:
- Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC)
- Residential school crisis line: 1-866-925-4419
Conclusion
No woman should stay in an abusive situation due to lack of resources. Canada provides emergency shelters, financial aid, legal help, and counseling to support survivors in rebuilding their lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, reach out—help is available.
“Leave the shame behind and be proud, because you’re going to overcome this. I hope other women can find that inside of them.” -Author Unknown
Women and Children Supports
Shelter Safe - Across Canada
If you're a woman experiencing abuse, there is someone you can reach out to anytime, day or night.
Provides details for every province! https://sheltersafe.ca/get-help/
NWT Family Violence Shelters
Our 24/7 crisis line is available whenever you need us: 1-866-223-7775
Alison McAteer House – Yellowknife
Crisis line: (867) 873-8257
Toll-free: 1-866-223-7775
Family Support Centre – Hay River
Crisis line: (867) 874-3311
Toll free: (833) 372-3311
Inuvik Transition House – Inuvik
Crisis line: (867) 777-3877
Sutherland House– Fort Smith
Crisis Line: (867) 872-4133
Toll free: (877) 872-5925
Aimayunga Women and Emergency Foster Care Shelter – Tuktoyaktuk
Crisis line: (867) 977-2000
British Columbia
Bridges For Women Society
Offering counseling and employment support resources Check out their website https://bridgesforwomen.ca/about-bridges-for-women/
Atira Women’s Resource Society
Offering housing support, child development supports and clothing and more. https://atira.bc.ca/
Domestic Abuse Services
We assist women and children seeking safety or recovery from domestic abuse https://domesticabuseservices.ca/
Haven Society
Our mission is to promote the integrity and safety of women, children, youth and families and the development of a respectful and healthy community. As a leading anti-violence organization operating from feminist principles, Haven Society will achieve this mission by providing a range of services, public education and advocacy. Check their website for details https://www.havensociety.com/
Island Crisis Care Society
Offering assistance with shelter and other community supports. Check their website https://www.islandcrisiscaresociety.ca/
Cedar Women's House
Phone 250-591-5580 or 250-268-4922 Hours 24/7 Services Cedar Woman has 10 beds and offers 24/7 staffed, safe transition housing for women and their dependent children who have experienced or who are at risk of violence, on a short term basis. Cedar Woman House is designed around Indigenous values, and programming. Services are available to women and children of any cultural background. Email cwh@xpey.ca Website www.cedarwomanhouse.org
Haven Society Transition House
Phone 250-756-2452 Hours 24/7 The Transition House provides temporary shelter and support for women and children who have experienced violence and are seeking safety. The House and the Crisis Line are available 24/7. Services include individual and group support and referral to community resources. All programs and services are confidential and available at no cost. Email haven@havensociety.com Website www.havensociety.com/transitionhouse
More Information about Shelters
Some places require you to register before accessing locations services. Please contact the locations for their requirements.*
British Columbia continued..
Campbell River & North Island Transition Society
Providing services to women and children struggling with issues of abuse and violence https://www.annelmorehouse.ca/
Nanaimo Women Helping Women
We provide women in crisis with essential resources they need to rebuild their lives. We are committed to supporting women and their children, including:
Women experiencing intimate partner violence and those who have left those relationships, Unhoused women, Survivors of sexual violence
Alberta
YW Crisis Shelter, Calgary
YW Crisis Shelter is a short-stay crisis shelter for women and their children leaving domestic abuse and violence. The shelter provides basic needs, including food and personal items, as well as individual domestic abuse counselling and support.
Childcare is available. This program is free.
How to Register: Call YW’s 24/7 Crisis Line at 403.266.0707 for support.
YW Crisis Shelter, Calgary
YW Crisis Shelter is a short-stay crisis shelter for women and their children leaving domestic abuse and violence. The shelter provides basic needs, including food and personal items, as well as individual domestic abuse counselling and support.
Childcare is available. This program is free.
How to Register: Call YW’s 24/7 Crisis Line at 403.266.0707 for support.
Manitoba
Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters
MAWS does not provide online support. This website provides resources and information only. 24/7 Crisis & Support 1-877-977-0007. 24/7 MMIWG2S+ Health & Cultural Support Services 1-844-413-6649
Willow Place
Provides inclusive, no-cost family violence prevention services, 24-hours, every day of the year. PLEASE CALL: 1-877-977-0007 or text 204-813-8887 for family violence-related inquiries