ROSENET-CA: - Rose's Story

Shelters for Abused Women

The police took Rose and her children to a shelter in the area where she lived.

A shelter is a place where you can stay with your children if your partner is abusing you. Phone ahead to make sure that they have a room available. There are many shelters throughout Canada. If you do not need a place to stay, but would like to talk to someone about what is happening to you, you may call the shelter's crisis line.

Shelters are designed specifically to support women and children.
If you go to a shelter, you do not have to pay for the room or the food.
There is 24-hour security at the shelters.
Shelters look like any other house in the community.
Shelters may provide other programming for children and women, if you choose to participate.
Shelters can help with the immediate crisis caused by leaving the abusive relationship and being separated from your community. Shelter workers can help you to begin the process of learning to live independently.
Usually you can stay in a shelter for about 21 days, although this may vary from shelter to shelter. Your stay may be longer if necessary.

The organizations in this section provide information about shelters and crisis services for women who have experienced violence. As well, these organizations may provide information on counselling, treatment programs, education, support groups, intervention, and referral services.

For shelters in Alberta, click on this link to the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters.

For shelters in Canada, please click here.

For Aboriginal shelters in Canada, click on this link to the National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence.

For shelters in your area, you can also check the emergency section at the front of your local telephone book.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Shelters in Canada

Click on a link to find shelters in that province:

Alberta Council of Women's Shelters

B.C./Yukon Society of Transition Houses

Manitoba Association of Women's Shelters

New Brunswick Coalition of Transition Houses

Newfoundland and Labrador Shelters and Safe Houses