Domestic and intimate partner violence are growing issues in the Niagara Region, as it has become one of the main causes of homelessness experienced by individuals and families. Intimate partner violence refers specifically to violence occurring between romantic or intimate partners, whether they are dating, married, or former partners. Domestic violence is a broader term that includes violence within a household, not just between romantic partners. It can involve abuse between family members, such as child abuse, elder abuse, or sibling abuse, in addition to intimate partner violence or violence between other cohabitants like roommates. Recognizing the signs of these types of violence is not always obvious, but help is available to those who need it.
Common signs of possible abuse:
Below are emergency service lines and other resources you can connect with, if you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence:
Emergency Services: 911 or text T911
Niagara Regional Police Service
The Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) is a team of specially trained detectives centrally located within the Niagara Region. The DVU is responsible for investigating all reports of domestic violence involving intimate partners and reviewing all domestic-related occurrences, whether or not charges are laid. For additional resources, visit their website: https://www.niagarapolice.ca/en/what-we-do/domesticviolence.aspx#.
The Coalition to End Violence Against Women (CEVAW)
CEVAW is a diverse coalition of organizations in the Niagara Region dedicated to ending gender-based violence against women and their children. They work to raise public awareness, educate, share information, network, and dismantle systemic barriers that contribute to violence. CEVAW offers a wide range of services for those experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence, including crisis support, housing and financial assistance, sexual assault support, legal advice, and specialized services for Indigenous communities and men. For additional resources and assistance, visit their website: https://cevaw.com/.
Victims Services Niagara
Victims Services Niagara provides crisis intervention, information and referral services to victims of crime and tragic circumstances 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at no cost. For additional assistance, visit their website: https://victimservicesniagara.on.ca/.
Gillian’s Place
Gillian’s Place provides support for emergent and non-emergent situations of domestic and intimate partner violence. They can provide confidential, over-the-phone and in-person support services in both English and French, such as outreach counselling, legal advice and transitional housing for women, children and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. For additional resources and assistance, visit their website: https://gilliansplace.com/.
Gillian’s Place has two locations in the Niagara Region:
Birchway Niagara
Birchway provides confidential services and compassionate support to those experiencing domestic and intimate partner violence. They can provide services in English and French, such as housing support, legal advice, safety planning, and child and 2SLGBTQIA+-specific services. Their services are accessible to Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Welland, Wainfleet, Port Colborne, Pelham, and the surrounding areas. For additional resources and assistance, visit their website: https://birchway.ca/.