For women experiencing violence or who are not safe at home, you are not alone. Below is an updated list of VAW resources in Hamilton. For additional information please visit wawg.ca and 211ontario.ca.
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The AIDS Network
The AIDS Network physical location in Hamilton remains closed since March 17th, 2020. They continue to provide support to people living with and affected by HIV through call and text, as well as some non-contact practical assistance.
Their harm reduction outreach has continued without interruption through community outreach as well as their mobile van program in partnership with The City of Hamilton. Their van program has added additional service in the afternoon while continuing the evening outreach. Individuals can continue to reach out to their van program (905-317-9966) for harm reduction supplies as well as naloxone.
Community development and education initiatives through their priority population network programs (Gay Men’s Sexual Health, Women and HIV/AIDS Initiative, and African and Caribbean Council on HIV/AIDS in Ontario) are being conducted virtually.
Office and programming updates as well as staff contact information can be found on their website www.aidsnetwork.ca as well as their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TheAIDSNetwork/) and Twitter page (https://twitter.com/TheAIDSNetwork)
Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton
Children’s Aid Societies and Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agencies in Ontario are continuing their child protection services. They are not closed. Although agencies across the province have modified their business practices to respond to health and safety concerns, their core protection services continue. If any member of the public or professional have a concern about the safety and/or well-being of a child or youth under 18, they should immediately contact their local Children’s Aid Societies or Indigenous Child and Family Well-Being Agency.
Les sociétés d’aide à l’enfance et les agences de mieux être pour enfants et familles autochtones de l’Ontario poursuivent leurs services de protection de l’enfance. Nous ne sommes pas fermés. Bien que les agences de la province aient modifié leurs pratiques d’intervention pour répondre aux préoccupations en matière de santé et de sécurité, leurs principaux services de protection se poursuivent. Si un membre du public ou un professionnel s’inquiète de la sécurité et/ou du bien-être d’un enfant ou d’un jeune de moins de 18 ans, il doit immédiatement communiquer avec la société d’aide à l’enfance ou l’agence de mieux être pour enfants et familles autochtones de sa région.
Catholic Family Services
Violence Against Women Counselling Services at Catholic Family Services of Hamilton During the COVID-19 Pandemic:
In keeping with the social distancing and safety measures, they continue to provide Violence Against Women counselling services remotely via telephone or video.
If you identify yourself as having been sexually, physically, or emotionally abused by your partner or significant other, including a non-parent caregiver or immediate family or household member, and would like to start attending counselling services, you can contact their Intake staff at 905 527 3823, Ext. 0 or Ext. 279. There is no fee for attending counselling through the Violence Against Women program.
They also continue to provide counselling services under the Child Witnessing program for children, 18 years or younger, who have witnessed domestic violence. This program is also fully funded, and there is no fee for attending. Currently, they can enroll a child for Child Witnessing Counselling, but depending on developmental stage and suitability of the child for remote counselling services, the child may be put on a wait-list until they can start providing in-person sessions again.
Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara
Durant cette période de confinement et de distanciation sociale due à la pandémie COVID-19, l’équipe contre la violence faite aux femmes du Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara continue à offrir des services de soutien personnalisé et confidentiel aux femmes victimes de violence et d’agression à caractère sexuel ainsi qu’à leurs enfants.
Les personnes qui désirent nos services peuvent contacter directement notre service d’accueil par téléphone pour le site de Hamilton au 905-528-0163 ou 1-866-437-7606 et pour le site de Welland au 905-734-1141 ou 1-866-885-5947.
Les rencontres individuelles peuvent avoir lieu dans les édifices du Centre de santé (1320 rue Barton Est à Hamilton ou 810 East Main à Welland) en respectant les mesures de prévention en vigueur contre la contamination par le coronavirus. Il est aussi possible d’organiser des sessions de soutien par téléphone ou par vidéoconférence.
Afin de permettre aux femmes de briser l’isolement, des groupes de soutien en mode virtuel sont offerts permettant des séances de discussion, de partage d’information et de réseautage. Nous offrons également de l’aide spécialement aux personnes vulnérables pour faire les achats d’épicerie ou les courses en pharmacie sur demande avec livraison à domicile.
Pour en savoir plus sur nos services ou pour obtenir du soutien ou des ressources, n’hésitez pas à nous contacter par courriel au [email protected] ou par téléphone au 1-866-437-7606 ou 905-528 0163 (Hamilton) ou 1-866-885-5947 ou 905-734-1141 (Welland).
Nous vous invitons également à visiter notre site internet www.cschn.ca et notre page Facebook pour prendre connaissance des ressources et des diverses activités offertes aux femmes, aux enfants, aux aînés et à toute la communauté. Au Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara, toute une équipe de professionnels francophones est à votre disposition pour vous écouter et vous servir.
Si vous êtes en danger immédiat, appelez la police au 911.
Des centres de traitement et de soins en cas de violence familiale et d’agression sexuelle sont à votre disposition au 905-521-2100 poste 73557 (région de Hamilton) et au 905-684-7271 poste 45300 (région de Niagara).
Vous pouvez également appeler la ligne d’écoute Fem’aide disponible 24 heures par jour et 7 jours par semaine au 1-877-336-2433; http://www.femaide.ca
Pour trouver des services en Ontario français, consultez le https://aocvf.ca/services-aux-femmes/.
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During this period of confinement and social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the violence against women team at Centre de santé communautaire Hamilton/Niagara continues to offer personalized and confidential support services to women victims of violence and sexual assault and their children.
Those who wish to benefit from their services can contact their intake service directly by phone for the Hamilton site at 905-528-0163 or 1-866-437-7606 and for the Welland site at 905-734-1141 or 1- 866-885-5947.
Individual meetings can take place in person at Centre de santé (1320 Barton Street East in Hamilton or 810 East Main in Welland) while observing the prevention measures against the coronavirus contamination. It is also possible to organize support sessions by telephone or videoconference.
In order to allow women prevent isolation, virtual support groups are offered allowing discussion sessions, information sharing and networking. They also offer special assistance to vulnerable people to do on their behalf grocery or pharmacy shopping upon request with home delivery.
To find out more about their services or to obtain support or resources, do not hesitate to contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1-866-437-7606 or 905-528 0163 (Hamilton) or 1-866-885-5947 or 905-734-1141 (Welland).
We also invite you to visit their website www.cschn.ca and their Facebook page to find out about the resources and various activities available to women, children, seniors and the whole community. At the Hamilton / Niagara Community Health Center, a whole team of French-speaking professionals is available to listen and serve you.
If you are in immediate danger, call the police at 911.
Sexual assault and domestic violence care centers are available at 905-521-2100 ext. 73557 (Hamilton area) and 905-684-7271 ext. 45300 (Niagara region).
You can also call the Fem’aide helpline available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at 1-877-336-2433; http://www.femaide.ca
To find French services in Ontario, see https://aocvf.ca/services-aux-femmes/.
Compass Community Health
Compass Community Health is committed to continue and provide support for women who experience domestic violence and their services continue with some modifications during the Covid- 19 period. Their multidisciplinary team of medical doctors, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, client advocates and peer support worker continue to be available for support. The medical and counselling appointments are primarily based on virtual platforms where women may access services via video or phone appointments. If deemed necessary by primary care providers women may be seen in person.
The Primary Care team supports women who experience domestic violence via physical examinations, documentation, referral to specialists or specialized clinics, booking of appointments for medical tests and filling of medical forms as needed. Social workers are providing individual and family counselling for women struggling with depression or anxiety and for those dealing with culture shock, parenting and intergenerational problems. Advocacy and peer support is available for women struggling with housing issues, needing assistance with filling different forms and navigating financial supports. Mental Wellness team has expertise working with women from diverse communities such as newcomers, immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.
They provide crisis intervention, and through partnerships with different organizations in the city they provide referrals to appropriate and safe services as needed. Financial support is provided for women with precarious immigration status through their partnership with Emergency Support Committee for Refugees.
Some support groups are continuing on virtual formats for women to attend if interested.
Please call (905)523-6611 ext. 2000 if you require further information.
Elizabeth Fry Society Southern Ontario Region
The Community Violence Against Women Counselling program, and HER drop-in program at the Elizabeth Fry Society Southern Ontario Region is still running during the COVID-19 isolation period. To adapt to our current situation of isolation we have transitioned to providing services through telephone calls, e-mails, Zoom meetings and FaceTime.
Our agency focuses on working with women who have come in conflict with the law or pose a potential to come in conflict with the law. Our counselling and HER drop-in programs offers insight, options, resources, needs assessments, information on abuse issues, safety planning, referrals, stress management, advocacy and provides follow-up as needed. We also provide specific programs on an individual basis. The topics for these programs include: anger management for women who have experienced abuse, anger management, relapse prevention, domestic violence survival, healthy relationships, shoplifting alternatives/rehabilitation, self-esteem and grief/loss.
At this time Elizabeth Fry Society SOR is also providing appointment times for food and toiletry pickups. Also, we are providing hot meals for our clients that are unable to get out of their homes.If you have any questions you can reach us at the contact information written below. Also, check out our social media as it is being updated daily.
Facebook: Elizabeth Fry Society Southern Ontario Region
Twitter: @efrysouthernon2
Instagram: efry_southernontarioregion
Natalie Henderson, Community Program VAW Counsellor
905-527-3097 x237 / [email protected]
Julie Degroot, Community Program Group Facilitator
905-527-3097 x231 / [email protected]
Good Shepherd Women’s Service
If you need assistance, please call their Crisis Line which is available 24 hours a day: 905.523.6277.
They are currently operating blended programming on-line and in person.
Hamilton Police Service
As a precautionary measure, effective March 23, all Hamilton Police Stations are restricting access to the public. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1. In the case of a non-emergency, call 905-546-4925 or report online at www.hamiltonpolice.on.ca
Hamilton Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Care Centre-Hamilton Health Sciences
As they are experiencing unprecedented challenges amid the Covid-19 epidemic, they are functioning and staffing their Program as per usual.
They understand the many fears, stressors and isolation, as well as the potential added barriers in these uncertain times. They are acutely aware that their community is facing a greater risk than ever for partner violence and wish to assure you that they are here.
They are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide private and confidential acute medical care to anyone who has experienced sexual assault or intimate partner violence. Along with their community partners they work to meet the medical, emotional, social, forensic and legal needs of those individuals.
If you are 18 years of age or over and have been recently assaulted help is available through the Hamilton General and the Juravinski Hospital Emergency Departments. For those of you are 17 years of age or under please go to the Emergency Department at the McMaster Hospital to access their nursing team.
If you are a survivor of a sexual abuse or intimate partner violence and are looking for counselling services please call 905-521-2100 extension 73557 for services.
Mission Services – Inasmuch House & Willow’s Place
Mission Services has responded to Covid-19 and has adapted their programs and services to follow public health guidelines while still providing critical services to their community. Organizationally, they have robust screening measures in place (for both staff and clients) and have shared PPE expectations for all scenarios within MSH.
All non-essential programming has been suspended (including tax clinics and food demonstrations).
Willow’s Place: They are focusing on serving unsheltered women only during this pandemic and have put measures in place to maintain social distancing as they eat and share space together. For women who are precariously housed but need their help, they can offer phone and food support. They have an isolation space prepared for women waiting for tests/test results. Hotel spaces are in place for system overflow for single women experiencing homelessness.
The shelter has re-configured rooms to ensure social distancing and is full. The City of Hamilton has secured hotel spaces for overflow for women experiencing violence. They have an isolation space within the shelter for those waiting for tests/test results. They are responding in creative ways to support women who are experiencing domestic violence as they socially isolate in an unsafe home.
People seeking assistance will not be turned away. Willow’s Place: 905-528-5100 ext 1200. Inasmuch House 24-Hour Crisis Line: 905-529-8600
Text Inasmuch
Text Inasmuch is a text and online chat tool that allows women experiencing abuse and homelessness to get help and support.
About Text Inasmuch:
- Text and online chat service available 24 hours a day.
- Safe, encrypted technology ensures conversations are confidential and secure.
- Trained client advocates provide advice, referrals and support in English.
Text Inasmuch: 289.212.6399
Chat online: www.mission-services.com/textinasmuch
Indigenous Victim Services
Indigenous Victim Services operates from 8:30 to 4:30 pm. Specifically to Indigenous women, they assist women who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. When people are referred to them, they complete initial contact form and then an intake is completed by one of their court advocates; and depending on the need of the women – they will provide hotel accommodations, transportation, emergency food, clothing, and counselling services. Their counsellors are registered with First Nations and Inuit Health but they also have one counsellor who provides counselling for those who are non-status. They also provide accompaniment to hospital, police, and court. Due to Covid19, they are limited in their capacity to accompany women to hospital and police station — they can meet them as long as they are wearing PPE (mask and gloves). They will provide masks and gloves as well. Indigenous Victim Services can be reached at 1- 866-964-5920.
Interval House of Hamilton
Due to COVID-19 they have made some changes, some of which include:
Emergency Shelter:
- Restricted intakes which will include screening for COVID-19, assessments and other regulated requirements that are in place to support everyone’s health and wellness as directed by the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada and the Government of Canada. Please call their crisis line at 905-387-8881 or 905-387-9959.
- Visitors are restricted to essential services/businesses only.
- Crisis lines remain available for telephone support 905-387-8881.
Women’s Centre Hamilton / Flamborough Women’s Resource Centre / Jared’s Place
- Counseling is continuing via telephone only. If you wish counseling, support legal advocacy, housing, please call 905-387-9959 and ask to speak with a staff member from the Women’s Centre (Women’s Centre and Jared’s Place), 289-895-8580 (Flamborough),
- Groups are suspended.
- Outreach services are suspended.
Events: While their traditional events have either been cancelled or postponed, they are busy exploring new strategies for events.
Sexual Assault Centre (Hamilton and Area) – SACHA
They are here to support survivors:
- You can reach their 24-hr support line by calling 905-525-4162
- Staff can be reached by phone 905-525-4573 or through their online contact form http://sacha.ca/contact
- Intakes for counselling are ongoing
- Counselling services are offered remotely
- For information & updates about the Public Education Program or the Diverse Communities Outreach Program visit http://sacha.ca
- Follow us on social media @SACHAhamont
Victim Services Branch, Hamilton Police Service
24/7 – Telephone: 905 546 4904
Support, assistance, information, referrals, safety planning, practical assistance, emotional support, available by telephone during COVID-19. Visit hamiltonpolice.on.ca/victim-services for more information on Victim Services. Call 911 if your immediate safety is at risk. Just in case you are not able to call 911 yourself, consider: telling a trusted friend, neighbour or relative about the situation and creating a code word or signal for when you need them to call police on your behalf; teach your children how to make a 911 call.
The Victim/Witness Assistance Program – VWAP
VWAP is open for phone calls only during the pandemic. Anyone wanting information about a court case can call their mainline at 905-645-5272 and ask to speak with their assigned worker. Staff are rotating into the office one or two days a week, so there is always somebody in the office or picking up messages from 8:30 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday. General information about courthouse proceedings can be obtained through the Ministry of Attorney General website.
YWCA Hamilton
YWCA Hamilton’s facilities are closed to the public and non-essential visitors, but all essential services remain open including the Transitional Living Program, Phoenix Place VAW Housing, and Carole Anne’s Place. Carole Anne’s Place is operating with extended hours and is now open 10:00pm – 8:00am overnight and 9:30am – 1:30 pm during the day with shower and bathroom facilities accessible to visitors. Staff and essential visitors to these programs are screened before being granted access to the facilities. Increased cleaning measures and communications on handwashing, physical distancing, and masking requirements have also been implemented. Isolation spaces have been made available at 75 MacNab Street South for residents or Carole Anne’s Place participants who exhibit signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Programs have shifted to virtual service wherever possible, including the Supervised Access Program which is offering virtual visits for families.
Phoenix Place, Second Stage, Transitional and Housing Support : 905-527-2238 (Between 8:30am and 4pm)
Carole Anne’s Place, Daytime and Overnight Drop in for women: 905-517-9326
VAW Counsellor for Newcomer and Immigrant Women: 905-522-9922 ext. 100