Ontario guide for women in danger: where to get help fast if you need safety or shelter

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published March 16, 2026

Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب

When a woman is in an unsafe home or relationship, the first need is often clear, practical information: who to call, where to go, and how to access immediate support. In Ontario, several official and community-based services can help women facing violence or danger, including emergency shelter access, crisis support, and referrals to legal and social services.

If the danger is immediate, or if there is an injury or direct threat, calling 911 remains the first step. For urgent support, safety planning, information, and referrals to shelters or nearby services, women in Ontario can contact the Assaulted Women’s Helpline, which operates 24/7 and offers service in many languages. ShelterSafe can also help locate a nearby shelter anywhere in Canada, while 211 Ontario connects people to local social and community services, including emergency housing and family supports.

Many shelter addresses are not publicly listed for safety reasons, so it is usually best to use official hotlines or locator tools rather than searching for a public address. The Government of Canada also maintains an official province-by-province list of family violence crisis lines and services, which can help women, family members, or friends quickly find the right support.

These services can be an important first step. They do not replace emergency intervention when someone is in immediate danger, but they can help women understand their options confidentially and move toward a safer next step.

Helpful resources

Emergency: 911

Assaulted Women’s Helpline:

1-866-863-0511

TTY: 1-866-863-7868

Website: awhl.org

ShelterSafe:

sheltersafe.ca

Note: some shelter addresses are not published publicly for safety reasons.

211 Ontario:

Dial or text 211

Toll-free: 1-877-330-3213