There are also many help lines that you can call for assistance during or after reporting a crime. For example, the Toronto Police Service has a ‘Special Victims Section’ for victims of sex crimes. There are also specialized agencies to assist preparing young persons for court.
Specialized help lines:
Assaulted Women’s Help Line: 24 hour counselling and referral services by telephone
- 416-863-0511
- Toll-free: 1-866-863-0511
- or #SAFE (#7233) on your Bell, Rogers, Fido or Telus mobile phone
- www.awhl.org
Kids Help Phone (up to 20 years of age): 24 hour support about topics like abuse and emotional well-being. Call or message on-line.
- Toll-free: 1-800-668-6868
- www.kidshelpphone.ca
Toronto Police Service:
- Emergency: 9-1-1
- Non-Emergency: 416-808-2222
- Sex Crimes: 416-808-7474
- www.tps.ca
Toronto Rape Crisis Centre: 24-hour counselling, short-term 1:1 counselling and court support
- Crisis: 416-597-8808
- General: 416-597-1171
- www.trccmwar.ca
Immediate housing: shelters for women who have experienced abuse can offer a range of services.
- Shelter staff can provide emotional support and work with you to create a safety plan. Shelters can also help with finding housing and applying for social assistance programs. They may even be able to contact other agencies on your behalf and provide support letters when needed.
- To locate a shelter near you, visit http://sheltersafe.ca or 211ontario.ca or call 211.
