Life Without Violence Program
Empowering Lives: The Life Without Violence Program at Ernestine's
The Life Without Violence Program at Ernestine’s provides 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive counselling to women and children living within the shelter. Our counsellors work with clients to rebuild their lives by helping them set goals for the future and make plans to achieve those goals. We assist each of our clients with the creation of safety plans and teach them the fundamentals of safety planning. All of our clients also receive advocacy support for various community and social agencies, as well as assistance with access to health and social services. Five days a week, The Life Without Violence Program provides culturally inclusive meals to help women and children feel safe and welcome in the shelter. The Women’s Program also operates the shelter’s 24-hour crisis line, providing counselling support, information, and referrals for individuals and their families who call seeking shelter and support.
Program Pillars
24-hour Crisis and Supportive Counselling
The Women’s Program at Ernestine’s provides 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive counselling to women and children living within the shelter. Our counsellors work with clients to rebuild their lives by helping them set goals for the future and make plans to achieve those goals. We assist each of our clients with the creation of safety plans and teach them the fundamentals of safety planning. All of our clients also receive advocacy support for various community and social agencies, as well as assistance with access to health and social services. Five days a week, the Women’s Program provides culturally inclusive meals to help women and children feel safe and welcome in the shelter. The Women’s Program also operates the shelter’s 24-hour crisis line, providing counseling support, information, and referrals for women who call seeking shelter and support.
Safety Plans
Ernestine’s provides 24-hour crisis intervention and supportive counselling to women and children living within the shelter. Our counsellors work with clients to rebuild their lives by helping them set goals for the future and make plans to achieve those goals. We assist each of our clients with the creation of safety plans and teach them the fundamentals of safety planning. All of our clients also receive advocacy support for various community and social agencies, as well as assistance with access to health and social services.
Safe Pet Program
There are many reasons women stay with abusive partners, and oftentimes it is because their abuser has threatened to harm or kill the family pet, and used this threat as leverage to trap women in these relationships. Nearly 90% of domestic violence survivors in shelters across Canada had their pet brutalized or killed by an abusive partner. Those who have pets know that the loss of the pet can often feel like the loss of a family member. Sadly, due to resource constraints, women’s shelters are unable to provide shelter to pets.
That’s why Ernestine’s SafePet program helps women temporarily re-home their pets so that they are able to access safety and heal from trauma without having to worry about their beloved pets being harmed or killed. We partnered with Link Toronto to help find safe and temporary homes for the families who turn to Ernestine’s. By addressing the need for their pets’ safety, women are able to make the best choices for themselves and their children.
Get Immediate Help With Our 24/7 Crisis Line
STEP 1
Call 416-746-3701 ext 0 or TTY 416-746-3716 - both lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
STEP 2
Immediately speak with one of our trained counsellors who will listen to you.
STEP 3
We will provide you with information on how to be safe and resources to meet your immediate needs.