Canada’s Support Services for Gender-Based Violence: What Survivors Need to Know and How to Get Help

# Support services for people affected by gender-based violence If you are reading this because you, someone you love, or someone you support may be experiencing gender-based violence, you deserve care, clarity, and options. This resource from the Government of Canada points people to additional support services for those affected by gender-based violence. In practical terms, that means there are more places to turn for help, information, safety planning, and emotional support. ## What happened The Government of Canada has a public resource page listing support services for people affected by gender-based violence. The page is meant to help people find services that may be relevant to their situation, including crisis support, safety-related help, and connections to local or national resources. Because the page is a resource directory rather than a single program announcement, the most important impact is access: it can help survivors, family members, friends, and service providers find support more quickly. ## Why this matters When someone is experiencing abuse, the hardest part is often not knowing where to start. A clear support-services page can help by: - reducing the time spent searching for help - offering multiple options, since one service may not fit everyone - helping people who are not ready to contact police or leave immediately - supporting people in different situations, including emotional abuse, coercive control, sexual violence, intimate partner violence, or family violence - giving allies and professionals a place to begin when they want to help safely For many people, having a trusted list of support options can be the difference between staying isolated and taking one small step toward safety. ## Who may be impacted This kind of resource may be useful for: - people currently experiencing abuse or violence - people who are worried about a partner, family member, roommate, or friend - survivors who left an abusive situation and still need support - people who are unsure whether what they are experiencing “counts” as abuse - newcomers, students, older adults, disabled people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Indigenous people, and others who may face additional barriers to help - advocates, counsellors, healthcare workers, and community organizations helping someone navigate next steps ## What this means for someone seeking help If you are in a stressful or unsafe situation, this update means there is a government resource that can help you find support services without having to figure everything out alone. You do **not** need to prove your experience before reaching out. You do **not** need to wait until things get worse. You do **not** need to decide everything today. You can use support services for many reasons, including: - wanting to talk to someone who understands abuse - making a safety plan - learning about legal, housing, financial, or emotional supports - finding shelter or emergency help - getting help for children or dependents - understanding options before making a report ## Practical steps you can take now If it feels safe, you can try one small step at a time. ### 1) Check your immediate safety If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services now. If calling is unsafe, try to get to a safer place if you can, such as a neighbor’s home, a public place, a store, a library, or another trusted location. ### 2) Use a device safely If someone may monitor your phone, email, or browser history: - use a device they cannot access if possible - clear your browser history when you are done - consider using private/incognito mode - avoid saving passwords on shared devices - be cautious with location sharing and cloud backups ### 3) Reach out to a support service A support service may be able to help with: - crisis counselling - safety planning - shelter or housing referrals - legal information - emotional support - referrals to local services If you are not ready to speak, some services offer chat, text, or email options. ### 4) Make a simple safety plan A safety plan does not have to be complicated. It can include: - one safe person to contact - a place you can go in an emergency - important documents or copies of them - a small amount of cash, keys, medication, and essentials if possible - a code word with someone you trust - a plan for children, pets, or dependents ### 5) Save important information carefully If it is safe to do so, keep a record of incidents, messages, photos, or dates. Store them somewhere the other person cannot access. Only do this if it will not increase your risk. ### 6) Ask for help with one specific need You do not have to explain everything at once. You can start with one sentence, such as: - “I need help making a safety plan.” - “I am not safe at home.” - “I need to know what services are available near me.” - “I need support and I do not know what to do next.” ## What to expect from support services Good support services should be respectful, nonjudgmental, and survivor-centered. They may help you think through options without pressuring you to make a decision. You may be asked about: - your immediate safety - whether children are involved - what kind of support you want right now - whether you need emergency shelter, counselling, legal information, or another referral You can say if you do not want to answer a question. You can also ask for an interpreter, accessibility support, or a different communication method if needed. ## Safety reminders - If the person harming you may see your messages, calls, or search history, use caution. - If you are planning to leave, think about timing, transportation, and where you will go. - If children are involved, consider their safety and any custody or school-related concerns. - If you are in a coercive or controlling situation, leaving can sometimes increase risk, so support from a trained service can be especially important. - Trust your instincts. If something feels unsafe, it is worth taking seriously. ## If you are helping someone else If a friend, family member, coworker, or client may be affected: - listen without judgment - believe them - do not pressure them to leave immediately - ask what feels safest right now - offer to help find services or sit with them while they make a call - avoid contacting the abusive person yourself unless the survivor asks and it is safe A simple supportive message can be: > “I’m glad you told me. I believe you. We can take this one step at a time.” ## Uncertainties and limits This resource page is helpful, but it may not answer every question. It is a directory of support services, not a guarantee that every service is available in every region or that all services have the same eligibility rules, hours, or language access. Availability can change. Some services may have waitlists, limited hours, or specific intake requirements. If one option does not work, that does not mean help is unavailable. ## Bottom line This update matters because it makes it easier for people affected by gender-based violence to find support. If you are unsafe, overwhelmed, or unsure what to do next, you are not alone, and you do not have to solve everything by yourself. Start with the smallest safe step. Reach out. Ask for help. You deserve support that respects your pace, your choices, and your safety.