24/7 Domestic Violence Hotlines in Ontario: Where to Call for Help Now

If you're in immediate danger or need emotional support, you can call for help at any time of day. Ontario has several 24/7 crisis lines that provide free, confidential assistance to people affected by domestic violence.

These hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who can support you in safety planning, shelter referrals, legal resources, and emotional guidance.

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🚨 When Should You Call a Hotline?

• You’re experiencing abuse or threats at home

• You’re planning to leave an abusive partner

• You’re worried about your safety or your children’s safety

• You feel overwhelmed, scared, or alone

• You witnessed abuse or know someone at risk

• You need shelter, legal advice, or mental health support urgently

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📱 Key 24/7 Hotlines in Ontario

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline (AWHL) 📞 1-866-863-0511 (TTY: 1-866-863-7868)

  • Available province-wide

  • Offers multilingual interpretation

  • Also supports friends/family of survivors

• Fem’aide (Francophone Women’s Line) 📞 1-877-336-2433

  • Support for Francophone women in Ontario

  • Confidential and culturally appropriate assistance

• Talk4Healing (For Indigenous Women) 📞 1-855-554-4325

  • Culturally grounded, trauma-informed support

  • Offers service in 14 Indigenous languages

• Kids Help Phone (Youth and Teens) 📞 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

  • For young people witnessing or experiencing abuse

  • Also provides live chat and online counselling

• Victim Support Line (Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General) 📞 1-888-579-2888

  • Information on victim services and rights

  • Connects callers to local support programs

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🛡️ What Happens When You Call?

• You’ll speak with a trained counselor—not law enforcement

• You don’t have to share your name or location

• You control the conversation—no pressure

• You can get help with:

  • Safety planning

  • Shelter referrals

  • Legal aid resources

  • Emotional support

  • Transportation or child protection contacts

These lines are confidential and non-judgmental. You don’t have to be in a shelter to use them.

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📌 Summary: Ontario’s 24/7 Domestic Violence Hotlines

• ✅ Call anytime—day or night—for free, confidential help

• ✅ Crisis lines offer emotional support, safety planning, and referrals

• ✅ Multilingual and culturally specific options are available

• ✅ You don’t need ID or documentation to call

• ✅ Help is just one phone call or text away

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📞 Keep These Numbers Handy

• Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1-866-863-0511

• Fem’aide (Francophone): 1-877-336-2433

• Talk4Healing (Indigenous): 1-855-554-4325

• Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868

• Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. I'm not sure if my situation is "serious enough" to call. Should I still call?

Yes. You do not need to be in a physical crisis to call a helpline. These lines are for anyone who has questions or concerns about their relationship. The trained counsellors can help you understand if what you're experiencing is abuse, help you create a safety plan, and let you know what resources are available.

2. Are these domestic violence hotlines confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a core principle of these services. The counsellors will not share your information without your consent, unless there is a clear and immediate risk of harm to you or a child.

3. What happens when I call a domestic violence hotline?

A trained counsellor will answer. They will listen to you without judgment, believe you, and help you talk through your situation. They can provide emotional support, help you assess your risk, create a plan to increase your safety, and connect you with local resources like shelters, legal aid, and counselling services.

4. I don't speak English well. Can I still get help?

Yes. The Assaulted Women’s Helpline provides service in many languages through interpreters. If you are a French speaker, you can call Fem’aide. If you speak an Indigenous language, Talk4Healing is your best resource.

5. Do I have to give my name when I call?

No. You can remain anonymous when you call these hotlines. You are in control of how much information you share.

6. Can I call if I am worried about a friend or family member?

Absolutely. The Assaulted Women's Helpline specifically offers support and advice to friends, family, and neighbours who are concerned that someone they know is being abused. They can help you understand how to support your loved one safely.