Get Help

Someone I Know Needs Help

We can help you help them

When someone you know is being abused, it is incredibly difficult to know how you can help. But with compassion and judgment-free support, they can begin to work through their fears, manage the complexities of leaving, and feel empowered to start afresh.

It can take 6-7 attempts for women to leave an abusive situation behind for good. Your patience and continued support are crucial.

Practical help you can give to someone being abused:

Learn more about abuse

Some victims of abuse are not aware of the issues in their relationship, particularly if the abuse is not physical. Understanding gender-based violence and different types of abuse will help you provide better support.

Talk and, most importantly, listen

Raise your concerns gently and without judgment, and ask how you can help. Respect their choices and stay in regular contact, making sure they know they always have someone they can turn to when they need help.

Show empathy

There are lots of complex reasons why women stay in abusive situations. The more you can put yourself in their shoes, the more likely you are to be able to recognize their fears and help alleviate them.

Provide resources that may be helpful to them

This could be phone numbers to crisis lines or websites with useful information about gender-based violence.

Show them how to cover their digital tracks

Make sure they’re aware that their online activity may be tracked and explain how they can keep this private from their abuser. You might also want to offer to let them use your internet and/or electronic devices to help keep them safe.
Get advice as a supporter
Speak to a crisis line counsellor who will be able to discuss possible courses of action, as well as support you if you’re finding things tough. We recommend the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511 or TTY 1-866-863-7868.
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Nellie’s is here to help

Nellie’s is committed to offering a safe refuge for women and their children fleeing violence, poverty, and homelessness. We can help them tap into their resilience and find a new path toward a safe and happy life.

Someone needs immediate help leaving an abusive situation
Call our 24-hour crisis line at 416-461-1330 or 416-461-1910

Someone needs shelter urgently
Call our crisis line at 416-461-1084

Someone needs support to stay housed
Call our crisis line at 416-461-1084

At Nellie’s we can help you by:

  • Providing a safe space
  • Supporting women and their children with healing and decision-making
  • Connecting women and families with educational resources and opportunities
  • Providing practical guidance on things like housing, finances, parenting, and careers
  • Empowering women and children to find the positive future they deserve
We know how difficult it can be to change things, but Nellie’s is here for you, with compassion and zero judgment. The first step to change is asking for help.