Women’s safety: help with abuse and violence
For women who are unsafe or have been hurt, and anyone helping them.
Free, confidential crisis lines, shelters and support for women facing abuse. If you are in danger right now, call 911.
We found 6. Places people say worked move up.
Assaulted Women's Helpline
Who qualifies:
- Women in Ontario who have experienced abuse
- Family, friends or colleagues can call too
What you need to apply:
- Nothing. Call any time
A free crisis line for women who have experienced abuse, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Counsellors give crisis counselling, emotional support, information and referrals by telephone and TTY, and the service is anonymous and confidential.
For: Women in Ontario who have experienced abuse. Family members, friends and colleagues can also call to get help on behalf of someone else.
Ontario-wide · checked 4 October 2026 · everything we know
Special Priority Program for Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing
Who qualifies:
- Living with or lived with an abuser
- Or a household member was trafficked
- Must meet subsidized housing rules
What you need to apply:
- Special Priority application form
- Proof you lived together, dated in last 3 months
The City of Toronto gives top priority for rent-geared-to-income (subsidized) housing to households leaving abuse or human trafficking. Special Priority households are placed ahead of others on the waiting list, so housing is not a barrier to leaving.
For: Households with current or recent experience of domestic abuse or human trafficking who are eligible for subsidized housing in Toronto.
Toronto · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know
FCJ Refugee Centre
Who qualifies:
- Refugees and migrants needing support
- All services are free of charge
What you need to apply:
- First visit on a Monday (not public holidays)
FCJ Refugee Centre in Toronto helps refugees and migrants with uncertain immigration status. Services include immigration help and refugee claim support, temporary shelter for women and children, a primary health clinic, food security, English classes, youth programs and help for people who have been trafficked. All services are free.
For: Refugees, refugee claimants and migrants with precarious immigration status.
Toronto · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know
Victim Quick Response Program+ (VQRP+)
Who qualifies:
- Victim, family member or witness of violent crime
- No other money or insurance to pay the cost
- No other public program available
What you need to apply:
- An assessment by a local victim service provider
Ontario program that helps pay urgent costs after a violent crime when you have no other way to pay. It can cover emergency home safety, practical needs and basic necessities, travel, crime scene clean-up, short-term counselling, support for serious injuries, and basic funeral costs for families of homicide victims.
For: Victims, immediate family members and witnesses of violent crime in Ontario who have no other money (like private insurance) and no other public program to help.
Ontario-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know
Victim Support Line
Who qualifies:
- Victim of crime in Ontario, or their family
What you need to apply:
- Just a phone
A 24/7 phone line for victims of crime across Ontario, in most languages spoken in the province. It gives information and connects you to services like counselling, financial help and other supports. You can also chat online with 211 Ontario on weekdays.
For: Victims of crime and their families anywhere in Ontario, including survivors of abuse and violence.
Ontario-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know
Family Court Support Worker Program
Who qualifies:
- Victim of domestic violence
- In, or may be in, a family court case
What you need to apply:
- Your court location or city
Support workers help victims of domestic violence who are going through family court. They explain the court process, help you prepare, plan for your safety getting to and from court, refer you to other services and may come to court with you. They do not give legal advice.
For: Victims of domestic violence who are in, or may soon be in, a family court case in Ontario.
Ontario-wide · checked 5 October 2026 · everything we know
Not on this list? Call 2-1-1 or text 2-1-1, any time, in more than 150 languages. It is free, and real people answer. 211ontario.ca
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