Author: Rajasree Datta, TNO Community Ambassador | More than four in ten women in Canada have experienced some form of partner violence in their lifetimes. These are neighbours, coworkers, and members of our own community who are navigating violence, often in silence.....
April 2026
Author: Rajasree Datta, TNO Community Ambassador
More than four in ten women in Canada have experienced some form of partner violence in their lifetimes. These are neighbours, coworkers, and members of our own community who are navigating violence, often in silence.
In fact, according to Statistics Canada, roughly 70 percent of people who experience spousal violence never come forward to police, and 93 percent of those who suffer childhood abuse do not report it to authorities. Many fear of not being believed, losing housing or financial stability, worry about immigration status, distrust of institutions, cultural and social pressures, and the very real danger that coming forward can sometimes escalate harm.
Gender-based violence is, by its very nature, an undercounted crisis, which is exactly why accessible, community-based support is so important.
Prevention of Violence Against Women Week is an opportunity to reflect, raise awareness, and take action. TNO-The Neighbourhood Organization is proud to stand with survivors and to work toward a community where every woman is safe, supported, and free.
TNO's Violence Against Women Program provides free, confidential, and culturally responsive support to women who are experiencing any form of gender-based violence, whether physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
How the Program Helps
TNO's Violence Against Women Program is dedicated to meeting clients where they are in their journey. No two experiences of violence are the same, and the program's services offer a comprehensive, individualized approach to support and recovery.
Program Services
Supportive Counselling: A safe, non-judgmental space for clients to be heard, express their concerns, and receive meaningful emotional support from trained staff.
Safety Assessment & Planning: Program staff work collaboratively with clients to assess the risks in their specific situations and create personalized safety plans. Violence can escalate quickly and these plans cover everything from what to do in an emergency moment, to which documents to keep accessible, to who in a client's network can be trusted. Safety planning is revisited and updated as circumstances change.
Application Assistance: Financial aid, legal support, social services, emergency funds can be daunting to navigate, especially when a person is already under enormous stress. The Violence Against Women Program program helps clients understand what they're entitled to and assists with completing the applications and paperwork needed to access it.
Resource Navigation: Many clients are dealing with complex questions alongside the immediate crisis: What are my rights when it comes to custody of my children? What community supports exist that I may not know about? Program staff provide clear, practical information about legal rights and connect clients to the network of services available to them, including legal clinics, settlement services, mental health supports, and more.
Transitional Housing Support: For women who need to leave home quickly, finding a safe place to go is urgent and often overwhelming. Staff work with clients to identify and access temporary, secure housing options (including women's shelters, family shelters, and transitional housing programs) in emergency and non-emergency situations alike.
Advocacy, Referrals & Community Outreach: Clients should not have to fight for the support they deserve. Program staff advocate directly on behalf of clients (with landlords, service providers, legal systems, and community organizations) to help ensure their needs are heard and met. It is also important to engage the broader community to promote a culture of non-violence.
Who Can Access This Program
TNO's Violence Against Women Program is free of charge. Available both in person and online, the program serves residents who identify as a woman, is 16 years or older and lives in the M3C and M4H postal code areas. No referral is needed.
The program is committed to cultural responsiveness and works to serve women from all backgrounds, including newcomers, women with precarious immigration status, the LGBTQIA2+ community, and those facing language barriers.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, please reach out to TNO directly at 416-424-2900 /416-421-3054 or by email at info@tno-toronto.org
In an Emergency or Crisis
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Assaulted Women's Helpline: 416-863-0511 (24/7 crisis counselling in over 200 languages)
Victim Support Line: 1-888-579-2888 (Support for crime victims across Ontario, including counselling and financial aid.)