Domestic Violence Resources

Anyone facing physical, emotional, financial or other abuse from a spouse, parent or other member of their family should seek assistance immediately. Here are some organizations that can help.

Legal Advice for Victims of Domestic Violence
Legal Aid Ontario can provide authorization for a two-hour consultation with a family law lawyer through a form called “Advice Lawyer Family Violence Authorization”. Community legal clinics, student legal aid societies, and women’s shelters should have these forms to give to abused women. Contact the women’s shelter in your community or Legal Aid Ontario (1-800-668-8258 or www.legalaid.on.ca) for the phone number and location of the legal clinic or student legal aid society nearest you.

Family Violence Initiative (Department of Justice Canada)
www.justice.gc.ca/eng/pi/fv-vf/index.html

National Clearinghouse on Family Violence
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/index-eng.php

Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC)
Provides information on violence and violence prevention, and referrals for women and children experiencing violence.
1-877-558-5570
www.metrac.org

Legal Advice for Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence can get authorization for a free emergency two-hour appointment with a lawyer as part of Legal Aid Ontario’s services.
www.legalaid.on.ca/en/getting/type_domesticviolence.asp

Assaulted Women’s Helpline
This province-wide crisis hotline offers crisis counseling, emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and legal resources. Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Services are available in many languages.
1-866-863-0511
www.awhl.org

Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic
Free counseling, and legal and interpreter services for women who are survivors of violence.
416-323-9149 (accepts collect calls)
www.schliferclinic.com

Victim Support Line, Ministry of the Attorney General
Counselors provide information and referral to victims of crime in Ontario, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Automated information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
1-888-579-2888 (bilingual)
www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/ovss/default.asp

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board
Administers compensation payments to people who are victims of violent crime in Ontario.
1-800-372-7463 (bilingual)
www.cicb.gov.on.ca