How to Provide Feedback or Make Complaints About Services for DV Survivors in Ontario

Sometimes, domestic violence survivors encounter **unfair treatment, harmful policies, or inadequate support** from services meant to help. Whether it's a shelter, police service, court, legal aid, or medical provider—you have the right to be heard. This guide will help you file a **trauma-informed complaint** or provide **constructive feedback** safely and effectively in Ontario. *** ### 🚨 Common Situations That May Warrant a Complaint * You were **dismissed or not believed** by police or staff * A service provider was **disrespectful, discriminatory, or harmful** * Your **accessibility, safety, or privacy needs were ignored** * You were **denied help unfairly** (e.g., legal aid, shelter, health care) * You were **forced to interact with your abuser** unnecessarily * You were denied service because of **gender identity, race, disability, or status** > You do **not** need to be in a legal case to file a complaint or give feedback. *** ### ✅ Before You File a Complaint * Write down **dates, names, and details** of what happened * Save **emails, messages, or records** that support your concern * Consider whether you want to file **anonymously or openly** * If you’re still at risk, talk to an **advocate or legal worker** first * Identify what outcome you want: an apology, policy change, compensation, etc. *** ### 📍 How to Complain to Common DV-Related Services in Ontario #### 🛏 Domestic Violence Shelter or Support Worker * Ask for the **shelter’s complaint policy** * You can file a written complaint to the **Executive Director or Board** * If unresolved, contact the funder (e.g., Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services) #### 👮 Police Services * Each Ontario police force has a **Professional Standards Unit** * For Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), visit: [opp.ca](https://www.opp.ca/) * You may also contact the **Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC)** #### ⚖️ Legal Aid Ontario * Call 1-800-668-8258 or file online: [legalaid.on.ca](https://www.legalaid.on.ca/) * Complaints are reviewed by a dedicated team and can be escalated #### 🏛️ Family or Criminal Court Issues * You may file complaints about **court accessibility, bias, or procedural misconduct** with: * **Ontario Judicial Council** (for judges) * **Ministry of the Attorney General** (for court services) #### 🧠 Medical or Mental Health Providers * Report to the **College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)** * For therapists or social workers, contact their **professional college** #### ♿ Accessibility or Discrimination * File a human rights complaint with the **Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)** * Contact **ARCH Disability Law Centre** or **DAWN Canada** for help *** ### 💡 Tips for Giving Feedback Safely * Use **neutral language** if you want policy change, not blame * Ask for a **trauma-informed or culturally safe review** * If uncomfortable writing the complaint, ask a **support worker to help** * Follow up if you don’t hear back within 30 days * You can always share your story anonymously via **advocacy groups or media** (when safe) *** ### 📌 Summary: You Have the Right to Speak Up * ✅ Survivors deserve respect and quality care from every system * ✅ Filing a complaint is **your right**, not retaliation * ✅ Support is available to help you navigate the process * ✅ Feedback helps improve the system for others too * ✅ Even small voices can lead to big change *** ### 📞 Ontario Resources for Complaint Help * **211 Ontario** – Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to legal and complaints support * **Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic** – Legal support and advocacy * **ARCH Disability Law Centre** – Complaints for accessibility or disability discrimination * **Assaulted Women’s Helpline** – 1-866-863-0511 * **Ontario Human Rights Tribunal** – [tribunalsontario.ca/hrto](https://tribunalsontario.ca/hrto) ***