It's a good idea if you can call first so shelter staff can be ready for you or make alternate arrangements at a nearby facility. If you believe your personal safety is at risk, call your local police service for immediate help and go immediately to a safe place.

How can I find the exact location and address of the shelter?

Most shelters do not have their addresses listed in the phone book, or display them on the Internet. Call the shelter and they will give you directions on how to get there, as well as information and support.

Can I get help with transportation to the shelter?

Some shelters have special arrangements with local taxi services to help get you to the shelter safely. Each shelter is different. It is best to call the local shelter to understand how they can help you be safe.

When is the shelter open?

Most shelters are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. You can call the shelter or look at its web site to find its hours of operation.

What do I need to bring with me to the shelter?

You may not have the time to gather a lot of things. If you are in danger, leave immediately.  You may want to call the police to help you leave safely. In some cases, police may help you get to a women's shelter.

If you are not in immediate danger, consider bringing along as many of the following items as you can:

• identification
• birth certificates for you and your children
• health cards
• court orders
• SIN (Social Insurance Number) cards
• school and medical records, including the telephone numbers of the school and your family doctor or clinic
• money, bankbooks, cheque book and credit cards
• keys - house, car, office
• driver's license and car registration documents
• prescribed medication and vitamin supplements
• social assistance documents
• passports, visas and work permits, immigration papers
• address book
• family photographs, your diary, jewelry, small items of sentimental value
• your children's favourite items of clothing and small toys

Most shelters are able to provide you with basic toiletries and clothing.

What if the nearest shelter is full?

Shelter staff will work with you to help you find a safe place.

Are there other community resources available if I decide I don't need to use a shelter?

In many communities there are other resources such as lawyers, health and counselling services. Your local shelter can help you to learn more about what is available in your community.

In an emergency or if you are in immediate danger, police and emergency services can assist you. In many communities you can call 9-1-1 for assistance. If your community does not have 9-1-1 services try to find the emergency services number and keep it with you.

Shelter Services

What kinds of programs do shelters offer?

Most shelters offer support, information and referral to other services. This is to help you and your children understand the abuse you have experienced and support you in your decision-making about your future. Shelter staff may help you prepare a safety plan to help you respond to different situations. Check information about your local shelter by finding it in the Find A Shelter section of this website.

Does the shelter staff have specialized training?

In addition to their academic and professional qualifications, shelter staff receive ongoing, on- the-job training. This includes, for example, understanding the effects of violence on children, legislation updates, substance abuse and mental health issues, and information about community services.

Do I have to participate in all the programs?

You do not have to attend the programs. However, it's a good idea to get involved in as many programs as you think will benefit you. Shelters and their programs have been designed to help you. Many women find meeting with other women and shelter staff helpful.

I don't speak English very well. Do shelters have interpreters?

In many communities, interpreters can be arranged. As well, many staff members speak more than one language.

What happens after I leave the shelter -- is there any follow-up?

The 24 hour helpline is available to you. Many shelters have transitional support workers, and outreach programs to assist you. Some shelters offer follow-up sessions to discuss issues such as loneliness, making it on your own and ensuring your personal safety. You may also want to contact other social agencies for further help. Your local shelter can help refer you to these agencies.

Can I ever come back?

Yes, you can return to the shelter if you need to.

Life At A Shelter

Will my partner be able to find me?

Shelters have a lot of security measures and practices in place to ensure your safety. For example, staff will not talk to anyone without your permission. Shelters also have trained staff and a secure place designed to keep you and the other residents safe.

Who pays for my stay?

Shelters receive funding to cover some operating costs and most also raise money from the community to cover costs. If you are able to pay, you may be asked to make a contribution. Most shelters do not charge women and their children.

How long can I stay?

Each shelter has its own guidelines about how long you can stay. On average, stays are short-term - a few weeks. They may be shorter or longer depending on your circumstances. Each shelter is different. To find specific information about a shelter, go to the Find A Shelter section of this website where you can find the contact information for your local shelter. You can call them for more information or some shelters have their own websites which may give you some more details.

How safe will my children and I be at the shelter?

Shelters have been set up to be safe places for you and your children. There are rules in place to help protect your confidentiality. Your safety is a shelter's highest priority and there are many practices that shelters follow to keep everyone safe. You will also be asked to observe the safety guidelines.

What kinds of rooms are available?

Family-size rooms are available so your children can stay with you. Sometimes, you may have to share your room with another family. Single women will likely share a room with other single women.

Can I continue to work while living in the shelter?

Yes, you can continue to work. If you have children, you will have to arrange safe child care while you are working. Some shelters may be able to help you with those arrangements.

You may want to to talk with your supervisor or to human resources at your workplace in case you need to make alternate arrangements to avoid contact with your abuser. For instance, you may not want your partner to be allowed on the property to pick up you or your children. Consider completing the safety plan and call a local shelter to help you with your safety planning. The workplace section of the Shelternet website provides more ideas about how you can be safe in your workplace.

Will I have access to a telephone, computer, the Internet, etc?

There are telephones available and some shelters have computers available for you. Check with your local shelter to see if it has Internet access available for clients.

I'm on a special diet. Can shelters meet my dietary needs?

Every effort will be made to accommodate special dietary needs. You will need to let staff members know about any dietary requirements you or your children have.

Are shelters accessible for a person with a disability?

Most shelters are specially equipped to help women and children with disabilities. Check with your local shelter for information on its facilities for women and children with special needs.

Do shelters accept lesbians?

Yes. Lesbians and bisexual women who have been abused are welcome.

Are pets allowed?

In most cases, pets can not stay with you at the shelter. Check with your local shelter to see what arrangements can be made. Some shelters have special arrangements with local animal care centres to help you.

Shelters & Your Children

Will my children be welcome?

Male and female children can stay with you. There may be age restrictions for children over 16 years. Many shelters have special programs for children who have witnessed violence.

Can my children continue in their own schools?

Every effort will be made to keep the children in their normal routine, including attending their own school. However, if you fear for their safety there, alternate arrangements may be made.

Who will look after my children when I have appointments?

In some shelters, there are trained staff and volunteers to look after your children while you go to appointments. Also, other women living in shelters may be able to help you in exchange for helping them.

Will going to a shelter affect my custody rights?

Your rights may not be affected by going to a shelter. For more information on custody and other legal matters, we suggest you look at the Ontario Women's Justice Network website at http://www.owjn.org/info/common.htm or view the VIOLET website at http://www.violetnet.org/

Understanding your legal rights can help you to learn about your options and choices.