Emergency shelters
The Ministry of Community and Social Services funds a range of programs for victims of domestic violence and their children including, Violence Against Women (VAW) shelters.
These shelters offer safe accommodation for women and their children escaping violence. Counselling and other support services are provided to help women identify the options available to them in order to establish new lives without abuse.
If this is an emergency or you are afraid for your life, call 911 or your local police service.
Where to find shelter.
Find a shelter
Shelternet.ca is a website that provides reliable information for abused women in Canada on a variety of topics, such as understanding abuse, what steps you can take to increase your safety, how to find a shelter, and the effects of domestic abuse on children.
211 Toronto.ca
This website includes information on emergency and crisis services available in the Greater Toronto Area for individuals in distress who require urgent medical or emotion care, including safe emergency accommodation for those who have experienced or are at risk of domestic violence.
Aborginal Healing and Wellness Strategy
A number of women's/family shelters have been established to provide a safe, short-term residence for women and their children who have left a violent domestic situation.
Assaulted Women’s Helpline
This is a 24-hour telephone and TTY crisis line for women in the Province of Ontario. The organization provides a number of services such as:
- crisis counseling;
- emotional support;
- safety planning;
- guidance around options; and
- referrals for shelters, rape crisis centres, legal services and supports, community based supports, criminal justice supports and services, counsellors and therapists, support groups and culturally and linguistically appropriate services.