Frequently Asked Questions
What services do you provide?
We provide individual therapy, group therapy, anonymous third part reporting, hospital response support, and public education programs for elementary, high-school students and various community groups.
Do you only work with women?
We work with people of all genders, over the age of 16, whom have been impacted by sexual violence.
Do you work with family/friends of survivors?
Yes – we offer brief counselling support for friends/family of survivors.
Do you work with children?
We do not. We work with people over the age of 16. Please see our resources page for additional supports.
Where are you located?
We are located at 43 Church St. – Suite 503, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7E1 and support the entire Niagara Region.
We also offer individual counselling services at our outreach sites in Niagara Falls, Welland, Port Colborne and Fort Erie. Please call for further information.
What are your hours?
Our office is open from Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, we are closed from 12-1pm. You can always leave a message on our confidential phone system after hours. Our crisis line is available for support 24/7 at 905-682-4584.
How do I make an appointment?
We require the person seeking services to call us directly at 905-682-7258. Another person cannot call on their behalf, regardless of their age, however, can be on the line to support the person. We will take some brief information and put you on our waitlist.
Is there a waiting list? How long do I have to wait?
There is a waitlist, and wait times vary considerably. In general, our current waitlist is about 3-6 months long. If you’d like a more accurate estimate of the waitlist, you can call 905-682-7258 and inquire.
Is there a cost for your services? Do I need a Health Card (OHIP)?
There is no cost to access any of our counselling services. A health card is not required.
I was sexually abused as a child. Can I use your services now?
Yes – the many of the people we work with are in treatment as adults for abuse that happened in childhood. It’s never too late to seek treatment. We recognize the difficulty in reaching out, especially after decades have passed. You are not alone.
I’m anxious about my first appointment. Can I cancel?
We understand the difficulty in seeking and participating in treatment. This may be the first time disclosing your abuse history. Meeting a new person to talk about abuse can be dauting to say the least, and we hope to create a confidential, safe space to do so. Therapy is always at your own pace and with your informed consent. We will never force you to talk about anything you don’t wish to explore.
If you are unable to make your appointment for any reason, we ask for 24-hour notice when possible.
Can I volunteer?
Please visit this page for up-to-date volunteer postings.
How are you funded?
Approximately 60-70% of our funding is provided by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services. The remaining 30-40% is achieved through fundraising and donations. You can access more information in our 2021-2022 Annual Report. If you’d like to donate to help survivors of sexual violence, you can do so here – thank you.