Victim Support Resources

Talking to someone about your experience with sexual abuse or assault can be extremely difficult, especially if you come from a small community and you aren’t comfortable with others knowing details about what happened.

First, it’s important to know that you are making a brave choice to share your story and seek support.

Contacting a lawyer outside of your community can be helpful. Not only is there less potential for a conflict of interest, it’s more likely that your confidentiality can be safeguarded as your case advances through the legal system.

You deserve the opportunity to feel heard in a space where your privacy is protected. Whether it occurred last week, last year or decades ago, there are resources available to help connect you with people who will listen, with compassion.

Emergency Support

If you need immediate help, you can call a crisis phone line in your area or visit one of the 35 sexual assault/domestic violence treatment centres across Ontario for support. You don’t need an OHIP card to access these services and they’re led by staff who are trained to help survivors recover. Through these sources, you can also meet and connect with other women who have faced sexual abuse or assault.

Knowing there are others who have overcome similar experiences as you may be helpful as you navigate through the trauma that can come with sexual violence.

Other resources

International Domestic Violence Resource Guide (2021)

• In Ontario, visit the Ministry of the Attorney General Victim Services Directory to help you find services., including:
  Victim Support Line 24-hour multilingual services to victims of crime across Ontario.
  Toll-free: 1-888-579-2888
  Chat online from 7AM to 9PM EST
• Ontario 2-1-1 helpline connects to community and social services
  Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213
  Toll-free TTY: 1-888-340-1001
• Assaulted Women’s Helpline
  Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511
  Toll-free TTY: 1-866-863-7868
• Talk4Healing 24-hour crisis counselling for Indigenous women and their families
  1-855-554-4325 (1-855-554-HEAL)
• Fem’aide 24-hour crisis counselling for Francophone and French-speaking women
  1-877-336-2433 (1-877-FEMAIDE)

In London, Ontario:

• Atlohsa Family Healing Services – 24-hour crisis helpline 1-800-605-7477
• Anova – 24-Hour Helpline 519-642-3000 or 1-800-265-1576

For men:

• Support Services for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse – 24-hour multilingual toll-free crisis helpline 1-866-887-0015