Where can I find help if I have experienced partner abuse?

You may need different kinds of help and support when you're in an abusive relationship or thinking of leaving one. You may also need help after you've left your abusive partner.

If you or someone you love is in danger, call 911. If you need to move to a safe place quickly, contact a shelter. Step 1 has more information on where to get help right away.

But besides help from the police or a shelter, there are other kinds of support you may also need, for example:

Support for your safety

Keeping yourself and your children safe from an abusive partner is important. Your partner may bully and threaten you even after you've separated. You may continue to feel unsafe both physically and emotionally. A friend, social worker, or counsellor can help you to make a safety plan.

Emotional support

Emotional support is helpful in any difficult relationship. It's even more important if you're dealing with an abusive partner. But you have to be prepared to talk about the abuse. This can be difficult. You may want to speak with a trusted family member, friend, social worker, or counsellor.

Support for your children

Your children may need professional support from a counsellor or emotional support from friends and family.

Housing support

You may have to move into a shelter for a short time or to a friend or family member's home. Step 1 has more information on shelters.

Financial support

If you've left your abusive partner and have a low income or no income, you may be able to get income support from Ontario Works (OW).

The amount of OW you get may depend on if you get:

child support, or
spousal support.

You may also be able to get some money from the Victim Quick Response Program+.

Legal support

A lawyer can explain how the law applies to your specific legal problems. For example, they can advise you on:

what you can do to keep your abusive partner away from you
if you can take your children with you when you leave
if you have the right to , , and property
if you will be forced to leave Canada if you leave your partner

Steps 3 has more information on how to find legal help if you're in family or criminal court.

Step 4 has more information on where to find legal help and what your options are if you cannot afford a lawyer.