Gender-based violence is any form of violence (physical, emotional, sexual, psychological) that an individual experiences because of their gender.
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is violence that takes place between current or former romantic or sexual partners.
Domestic violence (DV) refers to any form of violence happening within a home or family unit. Many IPV cases are also domestic violence; however, domestic violence may include other forms of family violence (e.g. violence against children or elders).
Women, girls, trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary individuals are at the greatest risk of experiencing gender-based violence, including intimate partner and domestic violence. However, people of all genders and sexualities can experience intimate partner violence and domestic violence. Statistics Canada (2018) reports that 44% of Canadian women will experience some form of intimate partner violence over their lifetime.
Many resources are available to help those experiencing gender-based violence or looking to leave an abusive relationship. Available supports include, housing and shelter, legal assistance, emotional support and counselling, financial support, support for children and dependents, and more.
Immediate helpline response
The helplines below operate 24/7 and offer fully confidential and trauma-informed support.
- Assaulted Women’s Help Line, GTA 416-863-0511, or Toll Free 1-866-863-7868
- Assaulted Women’s Helpline offers the most comprehensive supports for those experiencing GBV/IPV and should be considered a first point of referral
- Counsellors at the Assaulted Women’s Helpline provide assistance with safety assessment and planning, connection to shelters and safe housing, legal referrals and more.
- Victim Services Toronto, 416-808-7066
- Counsellors at Victim Services provide immediate support to victims of crime or tragedy, including gender-based violence, intimate partner violence and trafficking. Counsellors may provide on-scene response if requested, and can also help with safety planning, resource referrals and advocacy.
- 211
- 211 Navigators provide direct referrals to social services across Ontario, including tailored helpline referrals and connection to support services.
- Contact 211 Toronto to access the Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS), a non-police, community-led service providing mental health support. The service is free, confidential and provides follow-up care for those who want it.
Non-emergency supports
General GBV/IPV Service Directories:
Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence supports in the Toronto area
- Comprehensive listing of all GBV/IPV related services in the GTA.
Victim Service Directory, Domestic Violence, GTA 416-314-2447, or 1-888-579-2888
- Ontario-wide database for victims of crime. Database can be searched by service, program, or crime, including domestic violence, child abuse, harassment and stalking, and sexual assault.
Shelter & Housing:
Assaulted Women’s Helpline, GTA 416-863-0511, or 1-866-863-7868
- Central intake for all domestic violence/violence against women shelters across the GTA and Ontario.
ShelterSafe
- Searchable online database of all domestic violence/violence against women shelters across Canada.
Rent Geared to Income Priority Access
- Survivors of gender-based and intimate partner violence and/or human trafficking may qualify for priority access to Rent Geared to Income (RGI) housing. RGI applications take time, this is not a substitute for emergency shelter.
Financial Support:
Ontario Works, Emergency Assistance
- Ontario Works Emergency Assistance includes specific eligibility for those leaving abuse relationships.
City of Toronto, Program & Benefits Overview
- Includes financial support options for housing, healthcare, and childcare.
Rape/Sexual Assault:
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre, 416-597-8808
- Phone line support available 24/7, web and text chat available Wednesdays to Fridays 7pm-midnight. Services include peer support, court/medical accompaniment, advocacy and more.
Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centers, 416-323-7327
- Provides connection to hospital-based sexual assault programs across Ontario.
Supports for Trafficked Persons:
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-833-900-1010
- 24/7 multilingual phoneline connecting victims and survivors with social services, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Victim Services, Human Trafficking Case Management, 416-808-7066
- Provides specialized case management, advocacy and, crisis intervention for human trafficking survivors.
Lotus Health (children under 18), 437-226-3579
- Health and advocacy program for children under the age of 18 years who have experienced, or may be at risk of experiencing, sex trafficking.
2SLGBTQ+ Specific:
LGBT Youth Line, 647-694-4275
- Text and chat support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth under 30.
Sherbourne Health, Rainbow Health Ontario, 416-324-4100
- Provides a wide range of health and wellness services for 2SLGBTQ+ communities including specialized programs for trans and non-binary people, families, and youth.
Indigenous Specific:
Talk4Healing, 1-888-200-9997
- 24/7 Indigenous-led crisis line providing support to Indigenous women and their families with real-world solutions, without judgment, in a safe and accepting environment.
Native Women’s Resource Centre, 416-963-9963
- A culturally safe environment for Indigenous women, children, and youth, including culturally specific supports for survivors of gender based and intimate partner violence and/or trafficking.
2-Spirited People of the First Nation, 416-944-9300
- Tailored and culturally specific supports for Indigenous Two-Spirit communities, including supports for those living with HIV.
Supports for Men:
Ontario Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Crisis Line, 1-866-887-0015
- 24/7 immediate crisis and referral services in Ontario for male survivors of sexual abuse.
Family Services Toronto, Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
- Counselling for male survivors of sexual abuse available through various programs of Family Services Toronto, primarily Counselling Service Program and David Kelly LGBTQ/HIV AIDS Program
Legal Services:
Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic, 416-323-9149
- Legal services and representation, trauma-informed counselling and multilingual interpretation to diverse women and gender diverse people who have experienced violence.
Pets:
Safe Pet Ontario
Other Community Supports:
YWCA Toronto
Family Services Toronto
North York Women’s Centre
Rexdale Women’s Centre
Riverdale Immigrant Women’s Centre
Scarborough Women’s Centre
