Counselling for Women who have been abused

Does your partner prevent you from seeing your friends? Does your boyfriend or family member push you around or call you names? Abuse can take many forms: physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or financial.

If you are or have been in a relationship with an intimate partner or family member who is abusive and/or controlling, private counselling, education and therapy groups are available.

We offer a safe, supportive environment for women, age 16 and older, who have been assaulted or abused, to talk about their experiences and examine their options. Counselling is offered in individual settings as well as in groups. There is no charge for this service.

If after going through the list below you hear yourself saying “that’s exactly what my partner or parent/sibling does”, you have reason to be concerned if he/she:

Wants to be with you constantly
Gives orders and expects you to follow them
Pressures you to commit, go steady, or move in right away
Expects you to “forgive and forget” right away
Discourages you from spending time with your friends
Blames you for everything that goes wrong in the relationship
Sees everything as personal attacks
Uses sulking or anger to manipulate you into giving in
Was violent to past partners or others in previous relationships
Yells and curses during an argument in order to scare you into agreeing

If you identify with any of the above statements, call us for more information (705) 472-6515 and ask to speak with the Intake Coordinator.

Changing Patterns

Changing Patterns is a family program for mothers who have experienced past intimate partner violence/domestic violence and for their children who have witnessed it. In a group or family setting, children and their mothers learn the skills to cope and rebuild their lives. Mothers learn to how to best help their children heal after being exposed to family violence.

Please note: individual services may also be available if a group setting is not feasible.

Healing topics include:

Keeping yourself safe
Dealing with difficult emotions
Understanding that it is not your fault
Believing in yourself
Learning it is okay to talk about what you have experienced

This program is a partnership of a variety of children’s and women’s service agencies. It is free of charge and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. Financial Assistance available for transportation and child care while attending.

Please note: this program is also available in French for Francophone families in Sturgeon Falls and surrounding area.

For more information or to register, please call: 705-472-6515 ext 229

This program is also available for indigenous families according to traditional teachings and culture. For more information or to register, please call 705-482-7706