Posted On: July 15, 2024 Posted By: Simone Joseph, York Region, Original Article
Where should you go to get help dealing with intimate partner violence? Shelters, counseling services, helplines and other resources available.
On Feb. 1, 2024, the killing of a mother and her five-month-old daughter rocked the Richmond Hill community, but it was only the beginning as their murders turned out to be the tragic start of a wave of intimate partner violence deaths in York Region. These tragedies are the impetus for yorkregion.com’s in-depth look at this troubling trend. I Love You To Death: Breaking the silence on intimate partner violence looks at what’s behind IPV, the impact IPV leaves on those who survive it and those who witness it, what authorities and organizations are doing to try to address and change the narrative and what you can do if you find yourself in an IPV relationship. We also debunk some common misconceptions about IPV and take a closer look at 10 calls to action.
Anyone experiencing intimate partner violence (formerly known as domestic abuse), needs to know where they can turn and how they can access help.
Many services are available in York Region. The resources highlighted below are by no means an exhaustive list, but are a good place to start.
SHELTERS
Yellow Brick House
Overview: Yellow Brick House, with its administrative office located in Richmond Hill, provides life-saving services and prevention programs to meet the diverse needs of individuals, families, and communities impacted by violence. They also operate a shelter for women and children in need. Services are free, confidential and available in 31 languages.
Programs and services: Individual and group counselling, children’s counselling, transitional and housing support, and legal support services.
Contact Information
- 24-Hour Crisis and Support Line: Text or call toll free: 1-800-263-3247
- Another toll-free number: 1-877-222-8438
- General inquiry phone number: 905-709-0900/1-800-263-2231/905-709-1308
- E-mail: info@yellowbrickhouse.org
- Website: yellowbrickhouse.org
Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region Inc.
Overview: Sandgate Women’s Shelter of York Region Inc. is a feminist organization, dedicated to empowering women and their children through safe shelter, resources, information and advocacy in order to eliminate violence in their lives. Sandgate’s crisis line is free of charge and completely confidential — you don’t even have to provide your name. Whether you just want someone to talk to, or you need help getting out of an unsafe situation, Sandgate’s women’s advocates are available.
Programs and services: Sandgate operates the following: A 24-hour safe shelter; crisis helpline; counselling; financial, legal, medical and housing assistance; assistance with emergency transportation. Sandgate also offers: Safety planning; meals, clothing and personal necessities; advocacy; referrals; and children’s programs, including culturally sensitive services.
Contact Information
- 24-hour crisis line: 1-800-661-8294
- Alternate phone number: 905-722-4043
- Email: info@sandgate.ca
- Website: sandgate.ca
COUNSELLING AND OTHER SERVICES
Mackenzie Health and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital: Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault (DASA) Care Centre
Overview: Short-term individual trauma-based counselling and family support available by appointment. Emergency Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault care and follow-up nursing care are provided in the Emergency Departments at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital and Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. The DASA Care Centre of York Region provides free, patient-centered care for recent victims of intimate partner abuse, human trafficking and sexual assault. DASA Unit and staff are primarily located at Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital. Go to the Emergency Department and tell the nurse at the front desk you would like to see the DASA nurse.
Contact Information
- Toll Free: 1-800-521-6004
- Non-Emergency Care (Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital): 905-883-2216. Not sure if you require DASA services? Call 905-883-1212 ext. 0 to discuss your situation. Services are confidential.
- Local from Vaughan: 905-417-2000
- Local from Richmond Hill After Hours Line: 905-883-1212 dial 0, ask for DASA nurse
- Application process: For non-emergency services, book an appointment Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at 905-883-2216
- Website: mackenziehealth.ca/programs-services/domestic-abuse-and-sexual-assault-dasa
HOUSING
Blue Door
Overview: Founded in 1982, it is the largest emergency housing provider in York Region. Leeder Place is the only emergency housing facility for families experiencing homelessness in York Region and can accommodate 60 individuals or 15 families. Leeder Place Emergency Housing for Families is one of Blue Door’s emergency housing programs. Leeder Place is in East Gwillimbury (Phone: 905-898-1015 ext. 2).
Contact Information
- 1-888-554-5525
- Leeder Place Emergency Housing for Families: 905-898-1015 ext. 2.
- Email: info@bluedoor.ca
- Website: bluedoor.ca
OTHER RESOURCES
Ontario 211 — Community and Social Services Help Line: 211ontario.ca
The York Region Emergency Housing Central Intake Line: 1-877-464-9675 ext. 76140