Creating a Safety Plan

If you are feeling threatened by an abusive partner, ex-partner, co-worker and/or are being stalked, consider creating a safety plan. These websites describe the actions you can take to enhance your personal safety.

• Ontario Women's Justice Network
• Halton Women's Place
• Shelternet.ca

Restraining Orders, Peace Bonds and Terms of Release

These are other options to increase your safety if you are feeling threatened by a partner or ex-partner and/or are being stalked. The Ontario Women's Justice Network site explains what they each are and how to obtain them.

 

Safety for Pets

The SafePet Program, run by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), is dedicated to helping women leave their abusive partner by providing temporary housing and care for their pets. 

If you are a woman at risk of abuse and need a temporary safe place for your pet while you are in a women’s shelter, please contact a women’s shelter directly who will make the arrangements for you.

View and print the SafePet brochure
Visit the SafePet Program site.

 

Sexual Harassment Issues

The Ontario Human Rights Commission has an online guide which identifies what sexual harassment is and explains how to file a complaint. It also suggests ways to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and includes a list of actions you can take to protect yourself. For more information on sexual harassment you may call the Ontario Human Rights Commission directly from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm.
Telepone: (416) 326-9511
Toll free: 1-800-387-9080

More information on Sexual Harassment in Publications section

 

SupportLink

SupportLink is a program providing safety planning, follow-up contact and, where appropriate, wireless phones pre-programmed to 9-1-1 to people at high risk of sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. The program is an alliance with Ericsson Canada Inc., Rogers Wireless and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

For more information and to find out if you might be eligible for this program, please contact:
Telephone: (416) 314-2447
Toll Free 1-888-579-2888

 

Victim Support Line (VSL)

The Victim Support Line (VSL) is a province-wide, toll-free information line providing a range of services in English and French, to victims of crime. By dialing 1-888-579-2888 throughout Ontario and local 416-314-2447, a caller can access the following services: Victim Notification System (VNS), Supports and Services, and Criminal Justice System Information.

 

Victim Information Service

Through this National Parole Board telephone service, victims are able to receive parole information on offenders serving a federal sentence of two years or more. The service also enables you to provide information to the National Parole Board or update a Victim Impact Statement.
Telephone: 1-800-518-8817

For those seeking information on an offender serving a provincial sentence of less than two years, please call the Ontario Victims' Support Line at 1-888-579-2888.

 

Travelling Alone

Published by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Journeywoman includes safety tips for the solo female traveller.

 

211Toronto.ca

The 211Toronto.ca website provides up-to-date information on community, non-profit and government services in the Toronto area and throughout the province. The site's searchable database includes child care facilities, community legal clinics, low-income housing options, immigration services, employment centres, community health centres and places to access services in multiple languages.

 

Food Banks

The website of the Canadian Association of Food Banks lists all the food banks in Ontario, according to community.

 

Other Languages - Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence

The following websites have information on domestic violence and sexual assault that can be read on-line in other languages:

• Hot Peach Pages
• Sexual Assault Care Centre

Relocation/Change of Identity Programs

Both the police and the federal government have relocation and change of identity programs that may apply to women who have experienced domestic violence. However, to qualify for these programs, you must meet very rigid criteria. If you believe you are in danger and choose to call the police, inform the investigating officer of your safety concerns and request information regarding protection, including a change of identities.

 

Trillium Drug Program

Helps people who have high drug costs in relation to their income. Trillium application kits are available at your local pharmacy. For more information please consult the website of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

 

Understanding the Cycle of Violence – Duluth Model

The Power and Control Wheel was developed by battered women in Duluth who had been abused by their male partners and were attending women's education groups sponsored by the women's shelter. The Wheel is used in curriculum for men who have used violence against their female partners.
The Equality Wheel was developed for use in the same curriculum.