Leaving abuse is a powerful first step—but healing can feel lonely. Support groups connect you with people who understand exactly what you’ve been through. Whether you're looking for emotional relief or long-term healing, survivor-led groups offer a safe, validating space.

Here’s why they matter—and where to find one in Ontario.

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• A group of survivors who meet in-person or online to share experiences

• Led by a facilitator—either a trained counsellor or peer support worker

• Topics may include:

  • Coping with trauma

  • Self-esteem rebuilding

  • Parenting after abuse

  • Navigating legal systems

  • Healthy relationships and boundaries

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• Reduces isolation—you realize you're not alone

• Builds a sense of belonging and empowerment

• Offers practical tools for managing anxiety and PTSD

• Creates space to express feelings without judgment

• You learn from others further along in their healing journeys

• Groups are often free, confidential, and survivor-centered

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• You don’t need to be fully healed or have all the answers

• Many groups welcome:

  • Survivors who are still in the abusive relationship

  • Those navigating court, custody, or police involvement

  • Women of all ages, backgrounds, and stages of healing

• It’s okay to just listen at first—sharing is optional

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• Assaulted Women’s Helpline

  • Call 1-866-863-0511 (24/7) for referrals to local groups

• Your Local Women’s Shelter

  • Many offer in-house or virtual support groups

  • Ask for a “trauma recovery,” “healing circle,” or “peer support” group

• Barbra Schlifer Clinic (Toronto)

  • Offers legal and emotional support groups for women

  • Multilingual and culturally inclusive

• YWCA Chapters

  • Often run group programs for survivors and single mothers

  • Sliding scale or free admission

• Ontario 211 – Dial 2-1-1

  • Ask for “domestic violence support group” or “peer group for abuse survivors”

• Virtual Support

  • Organizations like WomenatthecentrE, SheRecovers, or StrongHearts offer online gatherings

  • Great for rural survivors or those needing anonymity

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• LGBTQ2S+ survivors – Eg. programs at The 519, Rainbow Health Ontario

• Indigenous-led groups – Offer cultural healing and land-based support

• Mothers leaving abuse – Focused on parenting, child trauma, and co-parenting issues

• Survivors with disabilities – Inclusive groups that recognize accessibility barriers

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• ✅ Survivor groups reduce isolation and provide emotional healing

• ✅ Most are free, confidential, and guided by trauma-informed facilitators

• ✅ Available for women at any stage of leaving or healing

• ✅ Offered in-person, virtually, and through community organizations

• ✅ You don’t have to heal alone—safe, non-judgmental spaces exist

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

• 211 Ontario – Dial 2-1-1 or visit 211ontario.ca

• Barbra Schlifer Clinic – barbraschliferclinic.com

• WomenatthecentrE – womenatthecentre.com

• YWCA Ontario – Local chapters in Toronto, Hamilton, Sudbury, and more

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The main benefit is breaking the cycle of isolation and shame that abuse creates. By connecting with other survivors, you learn that you are not alone, your experiences are valid, and healing is possible.

Yes. Confidentiality is a strict and fundamental rule of these groups. What is shared in the group stays in the group. This creates the safety and trust needed for survivors to share their stories without fear.

No. You are never forced to speak or share anything you are not comfortable with. You can simply listen and be present in the space for as long as you need to before you feel ready to share.

Yes. Support groups are for survivors at any stage of their journey. Many women attend groups while still in the relationship to gain strength, learn about their options, and begin to build a support network for when they are ready to leave.

Support groups run by non-profit organizations, such as women's shelters and community health centres, are almost always free to attend.

Yes. Many organizations in Ontario recognize the need for specialized support. You can often find groups specifically for Indigenous women, 2SLGBTQ+ survivors, newcomer and racialized women, or mothers who are navigating the family court system. Calling 211 Ontario can help you find a group that fits your specific identity and needs.