Sometimes, domestic violence survivors encounter unfair treatment, harmful policies, or inadequate support from services meant to help. Whether it's a shelter, police service, court, legal aid, or medical provider—you have the right to be heard.

This guide will help you file a trauma-informed complaint or provide constructive feedback safely and effectively in Ontario.

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• You were dismissed or not believed by police or staff

• A service provider was disrespectful, discriminatory, or harmful

• Your accessibility, safety, or privacy needs were ignored

• You were denied help unfairly (e.g., legal aid, shelter, health care)

• You were forced to interact with your abuser unnecessarily

• You were denied service because of gender identity, race, disability, or status

You do not need to be in a legal case to file a complaint or give feedback.

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• Write down dates, names, and details of what happened

• Save emails, messages, or records that support your concern

• Consider whether you want to file anonymously or openly

• If you’re still at risk, talk to an advocate or legal worker first

• Identify what outcome you want: an apology, policy change, compensation, etc.

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• Ask for the shelter’s complaint policy

• You can file a written complaint to the Executive Director or Board

• If unresolved, contact the funder (e.g., Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services)

• Each Ontario police force has a Professional Standards Unit

• For Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), visit: opp.ca

• You may also contact the Ontario Civilian Police Commission (OCPC)

• Call 1-800-668-8258 or file online: legalaid.on.ca

• Complaints are reviewed by a dedicated team and can be escalated

• You may file complaints about court accessibility, bias, or procedural misconduct with:

  • Ontario Judicial Council (for judges)

  • Ministry of the Attorney General (for court services)

• Report to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO)

• For therapists or social workers, contact their professional college

• File a human rights complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO)

• Contact ARCH Disability Law Centre or DAWN Canada for help

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• Use neutral language if you want policy change, not blame

• Ask for a trauma-informed or culturally safe review

• If uncomfortable writing the complaint, ask a support worker to help

• Follow up if you don’t hear back within 30 days

• You can always share your story anonymously via advocacy groups or media (when safe)

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• ✅ Survivors deserve respect and quality care from every system

• ✅ Filing a complaint is your right, not retaliation

• ✅ Support is available to help you navigate the process

• ✅ Feedback helps improve the system for others too

• ✅ Even small voices can lead to big change

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• 211 Ontario – Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to legal and complaints support

• Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic – Legal support and advocacy

• ARCH Disability Law Centre – Complaints for accessibility or disability discrimination

• Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511

• Ontario Human Rights Tribunal – tribunalsontario.ca/hrto

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