Who We Are

What we do

• we help and support women who are being hurt or abused by their partner
• we help and support women who have been hurt or abused in the past by their current or a former partner
• we help and support people who have been recently sexually assaulted
• if you are a woman, over age 16 and would like to talk with someone about abuse in your relationship - call us.  We will listen to you.  We may help you figure out what next steps you might choose to take.
• the nurses and social workers on our team can care for your medical concerns, support your emotional needs and assist you to plan for your safety

How to reach us

• ask for us in the Emergency Department at St. Mary's General Hospital or Cambridge Memorial Hospital
• call us directly at 519-749-6994 between the hours of 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday or leave a confidential message on our phone informing us when it is a safe time to call you
• you can also come to the counselling and administration offices at 400 Queen Street South in Kitchener if you want to make an appointment

What happens in the Emergency Department

• you may ask to see someone from the Waterloo Region Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence team during any visit you make to the emergency department
• when a nurse or doctor at the emergency department is concerned that you may be experiencing violence at home, they may ask if you would like to meet someone from our team
• if you agree, they will call our nurse and social worker to come and meet with you
• we will meet with you in a private area and listen to you about your situation and help you to assess what should happen next.  We will help you to know your options and support you with the choice you make while working towards you being as safe as you can before you leave the hospital
• we can help you to get the assistance of the police and other legal help
• with your consent, we can document and photograph your injuries in case you need this evidence later
• you will be offered follow-up counselling with the social worker at our offices or at another safe place you choose
• if you decline to meet with us, the hospital staff may provide you with information so that you could contact us at a later time

How can we help you to be safer

A team member at the centre can help you to:

• learn the steps you can take if you decide to leave
• learn to be safer if you do not leave your relationship
• know a safe place to go in the community for help
• make an emergency plan
• feel validated and supported during a difficult time in your life

How do we work with the community

• we make presentations about woman abuse and our services, to schools, community agencies and other interested groups
• learn more - call us at 519-749-6994