Leaving Violence Behind
Rebuilding Starts With the Life Without Violence Program
When folks arrive at Ernestine’s looking for a safe haven from violence, they find so much more. We are a place of healing from trauma — of empowering women and gender-diverse folks, and their children — of building resilience — of making connections — of rediscovering hope. We transform the lives of those who come to our shelter through our Life Without Violence program.
“Life Without Violence is centred around ensuring folks are able to rebuild their life one day at a time,”
“Life Without Violence is centred around ensuring folks are able to rebuild their life one day at a time,” says Britney Bempong, supervisor of program and client services at Ernestine’s. From crisis support and advocacy to therapeutic activities and help accessing services, here’s how this holistic program empowers folks to step into a safer, brighter future.
Providing Counselling in Crisis
One of the foundations of the Life Without Violence program is 24-hour crisis support, for the women and gender-diverse folks, and their children, living at Ernestine’s. “There are a lot of folks who are experiencing trauma from the violence that they escaped,” says Britney. “So, there are a lot of crises that come up throughout the day.”
Counsellors are on hand to provide informal support as issues arise, and they manage referrals to mental health agencies and organizations for structured care. “Our staff work to ensure the needs of individuals are met while they are navigating their new norm,” Britney explains.
The program also operates our 24-hour crisis line, helping folks in the community access information, support and referrals to agencies.
Creating a Supportive Environment for Rebuilding
One of the quickest ways the Life Without Violence program makes an impact is by providing culturally inclusive meals and foods. It’s a small thing, but it means a lot for our in-shelter clients, Britney explains. “They are leaving their home, what they know, and coming into a new space. Culturally inclusive foods and meals make folks feel welcome and seen, and it provides some normalcy,” she says. “It gives them a sense that they can transition to this new environment.”
We also offer a wide range of programs and activities to support learning, reflection and healing. Amore Hope, for example, is a program aimed at helping individuals rediscover self-love and self-care. “When you’re fleeing domestic violence, there are times when you get wrapped up in what is happening, and it’s very hard to move forward,” Britney explains. “Amore Hope provides different strategies and ways for individuals to care for themselves, and explore different options to really love on themselves.” This plays an important role in building self-worth and resilience.
We also engage partner agencies to bring mindfulness, journaling and other programs to our residents. Therapeutic Bingo, for example, gives participants the opportunity to explore topics such as healthy relationships, conflict resolution, resilience and self-esteem, often prompting discussion in the group.
Another important way we create a supportive environment is by working with residents to share their skills with their in-house neighbours. “We’ve had people who know how to do manicures, pedicures and facials — it brings people together. It’s a great way to build community, and gives them an opportunity to work through their trauma together,” Britney says. In some cases, the activities themselves can be deeply meaningful. “Right now, we’re speaking with someone in-house who makes dream catchers. They are from an Indigenous community and they have that skill set and understanding, and they want to share that.”
Developing Personalized Safety Plans
Safety planning is vital for anyone living with violence, and it’s an essential component of our Life Without Violence program. We assist every client with creating a safety plan for their situation, updating plans as things change. “We’re evaluating where they're at and how we're able to support them in a safe way,” Britney explains.
We often begin safety planning before individuals even arrive at Ernestine’s. Always checking in to make sure it’s safe for them to talk, we work with folks to create a plan that includes making their situation safer, what to do during a violent incident, and an emergency escape plan. “Violence is something that continues to affect so many women and gender-diverse individuals, but planning for safety can be a way to take back that power in an abusive relationship,” notes Britney.
When individuals are preparing to leave and come to Ernestine’s, we talk through how to safely do so. “If someone has a partner who is tracking their location, for example, we work with them to ensure the location on their phone is turned off, so their partner no longer has access to that,” says Britney. She adds that Ernestine’s will often help residents get a new phone or SIM card to better ensure safety.
Supporting children through this big change is another crucial aspect of safety planning, notes Britney. “When folks come in with kids, we remind them to bring things that are important for the children, like safety blankets or teddy bears — any type of thing that means a lot — to provide comfort.”
Assistance Establishing a New Life
The Life Without Violence program also helps Ernestine’s clients access a wide variety of community and social services as they work toward rebuilding their life.
We help them navigate the legal system (everything from protective orders to divorce and child custody to criminal charges against an abuser), and we also help them access housing support, employment services, health care, and more. Ernestine’s also offers settlement services for folks with precarious immigration status.
“With our program, someone is walking through this with you, side by side,” explains Britney. “We provide advocacy support, but we also ensure individuals are able to advocate for themselves. That’s a huge skillset that a lot of folks leave with, and it helps them rebuild that power they lost while they were in the abusive situation.”
The holistic approach of the Life Without Violence program is a big part of what makes it so effective — but the people behind it make it work. “The program brings together everything — the counselling supports, referrals, information, programs and resources,” says Britney. “And it’s all provided through folks who genuinely care about the well-being of the clients who turn to Ernestine’s.”
To learn more about Ernestine’s Life Without Violence Program click here.