Family Violence Prevention

Are you affected by family violence? Are you concerned about someone you think is being abused, but don’t know what to do?

Family violence is when one person exerts power and control over another. Abuse has many forms – emotional, psychological, physical, financial, spiritual, sexual, and more. Family violence can happen to anyone and Abuse is never okay. Talking about abuse can be difficult, whether it is for yourself, a friend or a neighbour. Many women feel ashamed or are afraid their family and friends will not believe them. It is NOT your fault, and you are not alone. Help is available, whether you choose to stay or leave your situation.

The Wilmot-Wellesley Family Violence Prevention Program offers local individual and group support for victims of family violence. Office hours are available in New Hamburg and Wellesley. Services are free and confidential. Call Erin at 519-662-2731.

Ways we can help

Assist with safety planning for you and your children
Crisis counselling and ongoing support
Information, resources, and advocacy
Access to counselling
Referrals around financial concerns, employment, housing, shelter, food bank, counselling, legal and judicial process, and programs to support women and children
Transportation assistance
Accompaniment to court, lawyers appointments, police contact and legal proceedings
Support groups

Women’s groups

We offer a variety of women’s support groups to help women on their healing journey. Groups are free, membership is confidential, and childcare may be provided. Topics include dynamics of abuse, exploring emotions, self-esteem, boundaries, assertiveness and more.

Public education

Looking for a speaker for your community, service, youth or church group? You can help create a stronger community by talking about family violence. Together, we can work to end family violence. To arrange for a speaker, contact Erin at 519-662-2731.

Topics include:

Understanding the dynamics of abuse
Neighbours, friends and families: Identify the warning signs and know what action to take
Creating caring communities
Elder abuse
Dating violence
And more

Looking for more information?

The following is a list of resources and supports:

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
Assaulted Women’s Help Line
Kids Help Phone
Optimism Place (Stratford)
Waterloo Region Sexual Assault Treatment Centre
Money and Making It On Your Own Resource
Neighbours, Friends, and Families Campaign

24 Hour Crisis & Support Lines

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (Anselma House) 519.742.5894
Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region 519.741.8633
Kids Help Phone 1.800.668.6868
EARS for Men (Support line for men) 519.570.3277
Optimism Place (Stratford) 1.800.265.8598
Waterloo Region Sexual Assault Treatment Centre 519.749.6994
Waterloo Region Domestic Violence Treatment Centre 519.749.6994
Assaulted Women’s Helpline (Province-wide) 1.866.863.0511