Gender-Based Violence

The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) program at WOCRC provides support to self-identified women or gender-diverse individuals and their dependents who identify themselves as having been sexually, physically or emotionally abused by their partners or significant others (could include a caregiver or other immediate family/household member).

We provide services to cis and trans women, two-spirit, non-binary and gender-diverse people of diverse ages, cultures, race, sexual orientations and abilities. Our services are free, confidential and accessible. We can arrange for access to cultural interpretation services if needed, and financial help with childcare and transportation may be available.

If you are a someone who is currently living in an abusive relationship, or have experienced violence from a partner or someone close to you in the past, when you are ready, connect with us. Our team members will provide support for you to make informed decisions about you and your family’s life. Our role is to provide safety planning, information, resources, referrals and support to help you meet your short- and long-term practical needs.

Our team does not determine for you whether or not you are being abused. Rather, they provide information and resources in order for you to make that decision for yourself. We believe that YOU are the expert in your life.

If you would like to learn more about abuse, or if you are wondering if you are in an abusive situation, please click here for more information.

Our counsellors do not determine for you whether or not you are being abused. Rather, they provide information and resources in order for you to make that decision for yourself. We believe that YOU are the expert in your life.

Our services are free and confidential. Financial help with childcare and transportation may be available.

Many people who are fleeing violence are often unaware of the impacts the abuse has had on their lives. Here is a short sampling of the many books our counsellors recommend to people who are looking to better understand their situation and look towards building a life free from abuse. Our booklist is available here.

WOCRC is a partner of Unsafe at Home Ottawa. Unsafe at Home Ottawa is a text and chat line for survivors of domestic abuse in Ottawa and in Lanark County. This encrypted and confidential line is available every single day, from 8:30 AM to midnight. Click here to speak to a trained support worker now.

Programs & Services

Child Witness Program

Gender-Based Violence

The Child Witness Program provides individual and group counselling to children 18 years of age or younger, who have witnessed abuse; and women, aged 16 years or older whose children have witnessed woman abuse. This group helps children learn ways of coping through discussion, videos, crafts and activities. A group for mothers (offered at the same time as the children’s group), provides education, support and a link to what their children are learning as part of the program. Services are delivered in person or over the phone.

Gender-Based Violence

The Transitional and Housing Support Program and VAW/Housing Liaison Program provide services to women aged 16 years or older who identify themselves as having been sexually, physically or emotionally abused by their partners or significant others (could be a caregiver or another immediate family/household member). This program is offered to women who have made the decision to leave their abusive relationship. The goal of the programs is to provide flexible and practical supports to assist women to transition into their new communities. Services are delivered in person or over the phone.

Gender-Based Violence

Chrysalis House is a safe and secure 25-bed shelter in Western Ottawa. It is a place where a woman can go to protect herself and her dependants from violence and abuse. In this supportive environment, a woman can focus on her personal needs and choices, as well as on her dependants' needs.

Gender-Based Violence

The VAW Counselling Program provides individual and group counselling to women aged 16 years or older who identify themselves as having been sexually, physically or emotionally abused by their partners or significant others (could be caregiver or other immediate family/household member). Services are delivered in person or over the phone.