Domestic violence impacts Indigenous communities at alarming rates, due in part to the ongoing effects of colonialism, intergenerational trauma, and systemic barriers. But healing is possible—with services that honour culture, language, and traditional knowledge.

This guide connects Indigenous survivors in Ontario to trauma-informed, community-based support.

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• Mainstream services may not reflect Indigenous worldviews

• Survivors often face racism, mistrust of institutions, or fear of child apprehension

• Culturally grounded support includes:

  • Elders, ceremonies, and traditional teachings

  • Healing circles and land-based programs

  • Indigenous-led staff who understand your lived experience

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• Native Women’s Resource Centre of Toronto (NWRCT)

  • Emergency housing referrals, healing programs, cultural teachings

• Beendigen (Thunder Bay)

  • Crisis line, shelter, and community outreach

• Anduhyaun Inc. (Toronto)

  • Shelter and transitional housing for Indigenous women and children

• Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)

  • Cultural healing, safety planning, family court support, housing help

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• Hope for Wellness Helpline – 1-855-242-3310

  • Free, 24/7, confidential support in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, Inuktitut

• Talk4Healing – 1-855-554-HEAL (4325)

  • 24/7 line for Indigenous women in Ontario, available in 14 Indigenous languages

• Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868

  • Indigenous support counsellors available on request

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• Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society (Toronto)

  • Culturally rooted re-entry and trauma healing for Indigenous women

• Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Northwestern Ontario)

  • Child welfare, healing services, and violence prevention

• Gignoo Transition House (for Inuit, First Nations, Métis women)

  • Safety, cultural programming, and support for survivors

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• Aboriginal Legal Services

  • Gladue reports, legal representation, family court navigation

• Legal Aid Ontario – Aboriginal Services

  • Access to lawyers experienced in Indigenous family and criminal law

• Family Court Support Worker Program (Indigenous-specific sites)

  • Help with restraining orders, safety planning, court accompaniment

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• ✅ Services rooted in culture, ceremony, and Indigenous values

• ✅ 24/7 crisis lines in Indigenous languages

• ✅ Shelters and healing lodges led by Indigenous women

• ✅ Legal advocacy grounded in trauma-informed practice

• ✅ You're not alone—community, culture, and strength are here for you

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• Talk4Healing – 1-855-554-4325

• Hope for Wellness – 1-855-242-3310 or hopeforwellness.ca

• ONWA – onwa.ca

• NWRCT – nwrct.ca

• Aboriginal Legal Services – aboriginallegal.ca

• 211 Ontario – Ask for Indigenous services

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