Women Support Services (WSS)
Are you a newcomer woman facing difficulties at home and feeling unsafe?
We can help!
The Women Support Services Program provides free, confidential, community-based counselling, support, and referral services for women and their dependents who have experienced abuse and/or sexual assault, including historic childhood sexual abuse. Our Violence Against Women (VAW) team can help you develop a personal safety plan to address your immediate safety and prevent further abuse. We support both women who are currently experiencing domestic violence and those who have experienced domestic or family violence in the past. If you need assistance, please reach out. You are not alone—support is available. Contact us today.
Eligibility:
Our services are for women aged 16 and older who have experienced sexual, physical, emotional, or financial abuse by their partner, caregiver, or other immediate family/household member. Support is also available for dependent children.
How we can help
- Short-term, goal-oriented counseling, including transition planning, safety strategies, and information on rights and options.
- In-person, telephone, and virtual crisis/support counselling for individuals in urgent need.
- Connecting women to community services for legal, housing, financial, and long-term counselling support.
- Providing information on rights, options, and available services.
- Offering up to two hours of free legal aid, if eligible.
- Group support for women in multiple languages.
Starting fresh in a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Many newcomers to Canada experience this mix of emotions as they adapt to their new home. At CCS, we’re here to support you every step of the way, helping you feel at home, thrive, and contribute to Canada. Here’s a reflection from a newcomer who valued the support they received from CCS.
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Thank you for your assistance and never leaving my side. Thank so much for helping me by giving me the right resources and information. I will never forget you and the help you provided to me and the family.
Women Support Services (WSS) Locations
Our services are provided in our CCS locations, libraries, community centers, and partner organizations.
For more information, please contact us:
- Mississauga (3660 Hurontario St):
905-273-4140
Things you should know
Glossary
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- Newcomer
- In Canada, people who have recently left another country to settle here are commonly referred to as "newcomers to Canada".
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- Settlement
- Getting used to your new life in Canada, like finding a home, learning the language, getting a job, and understanding Canadian ways.
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- Settlement Organizations like CCS
- An organization that provides essential help for newcomers to Canada like learning English, finding work, and various support for adjusting to life in Canada.
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- Permanent Resident (PR)
- Someone who has been given permanent resident status by immigrating to Canada but is not a Canadian citizen.
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- Citizenship
- Being officially recognized as a member of a country. In Canada, it lets you vote, travel with a Canadian passport, and more.
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- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- A 9-digit number you need to work in Canada or to get government help and benefits.
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- Healthcare Coverage
- In Canada, this refers to the public health insurance that allows residents to get most health care services for free.