Ontario Coalition of Agencies Serving Abused Women (OCASAW): Support, Advocacy, and Resources

When someone is experiencing violence at home or in a relationship, one of the most important things they need is a safe and supportive community. The Ontario Coalition of Agencies Serving Abused Women (OCASAW) is a province-wide non-profit organization that brings together shelters, agencies, and advocates to create exactly that.

For decades, OCASAW has been a leading voice in the movement to end violence against women. Their work extends far beyond crisis intervention—they focus on advocacy, education, and systemic change that can improve safety and equality for women across Ontario.

🏛️ The Mission of OCASAW

The mission of OCASAW is simple yet powerful: to end violence against women and to strengthen the network of services that support survivors.

They believe every woman deserves to live free from fear, and every survivor deserves access to safety, justice, and resources that help rebuild lives. By amplifying survivors’ voices and coordinating agencies across the province, OCASAW works to ensure no one faces violence alone.

🤝 What OCASAW Does

1. Advocacy at the Provincial Level

OCASAW actively represents the needs of survivors in discussions with policymakers and government officials. They push for:

• Stronger laws and protections for women experiencing domestic violence.

• Increased funding for shelters and support programs.

• Better enforcement of existing protections.

• Recognition of the intersectional barriers that marginalized women face (e.g., immigrant women, women with disabilities, Indigenous women).

2. Training & Education

OCASAW provides training sessions and workshops for:

• Shelter staff and frontline service providers.

• Health professionals, social workers, and community leaders.

• Educators and volunteers working with survivors.

This training ensures professionals across Ontario are trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and equipped to respond effectively to abuse.

3. Resources & Support Tools

They create toolkits, research papers, and guides for:

• Survivors – practical steps for safety planning, accessing shelters, and finding legal or financial support.

• Service providers – best practices in shelter management, counseling, and survivor advocacy.

• Communities – education campaigns that shift attitudes around gender-based violence.

💜 Why OCASAW Matters

Domestic violence is not just an individual problem—it’s a community and societal issue. OCASAW plays a critical role by:

• Uniting shelters and agencies across Ontario, allowing for collaboration and stronger support networks.

• Centering survivors’ voices so policies and programs reflect real lived experiences.

• Challenging stigma and silence around abuse through public awareness campaigns.

• Promoting prevention through education and community engagement.

In short, they are not just responding to violence—they are helping build the long-term foundation for a safer Ontario.

📊 The Impact of OCASAW

• Ontario is home to over 100 women’s shelters and service providers—many of which are connected through OCASAW.

• Thousands of women and children each year find safety and hope because of the coordinated support these agencies provide.

• OCASAW’s advocacy has influenced provincial policy on domestic violence, housing, and justice reform.

By connecting the local with the provincial, OCASAW ensures survivors’ experiences are heard in spaces where change can happen.

📞 How to Reach OCASAW

If you or someone you love needs help, you can connect with OCASAW or one of its member agencies:

• Phone: (416) 869-0686

• Website: ocasaw.org

Note: OCASAW itself does not provide direct shelter services, but it can connect you with organizations that do.

🌷 You Are Not Alone

Leaving an abusive situation can feel overwhelming, but you are never alone. OCASAW’s network exists to make sure survivors have access to:

• Emergency shelters.

• Legal assistance.

• Counseling and mental health support.

• Housing and financial aid.

Every survivor’s journey is unique, but one truth remains: safety, dignity, and healing are possible.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• OCASAW is Ontario’s leading coalition working to end violence against women.

• They focus on advocacy, education, and support for survivors and service providers.

• Survivors’ voices are at the heart of their mission.

• By uniting shelters and agencies, OCASAW strengthens the safety net for women across the province.

✨ Final Word

Violence against women is not inevitable—it can be prevented, and it must be addressed collectively. Organizations like OCASAW remind us that real change happens when communities come together to amplify survivors’ voices and demand justice.

If you are facing violence, or if you want to be part of the solution, know that OCASAW and its member agencies are here to help, support, and guide you.

🌐 Learn more at ocasaw.org