Programs for Child Witnesses of Woman Abuse
“Please note, that during COVID, the Mother’s Group and the Children’s Group are not being offered. These services will return once it is safe to provide in-person group programming. Currently, we are not keeping a waiting list for these programs. Our Children’s Counsellor continues to provide individual counselling support to mothers and their children who have witnessed abuse. Watch this site to learn when they have been re-opened”
Anti-Violence programs run by Ottawa Family Services are designed to assist women to live free from violence and abuse. Through programs focusing on all victims of domestic violence, we work towards achieving this goal.
Children’s Group
The Children’s Group is offered to children aged 6-12 who have been exposed to their mothers’ abuse. Individual counselling is provided to children attending groups as needed.
These support groups are offered once a week for ten to twelve weeks in the evenings and generally consist of six to eight children per group.
Topics include:
- Safety planning
- Understanding woman abuse
- Reducing shame and fear
- Finding positive ways to handle conflict
- Finding positive ways to share feelings
Mothers’ Group
The Mothers’ Group runs at the same time as the Children’s Group and is offered to mothers whose children are in the children’s program. Individual counselling and mother/child counselling is provided to mothers attending groups as needed. Topics include:
- The impact of woman abuse on children
- Custody and access issues
- Personal safety planning for children
- Parenting
- Self-esteem, self-care
There is no fee for this program, and assistance is provided for childcare and transportation as needed.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
If you are experiencing abuse and require more immediate service the following 24-hour crisis lines are available:
Women’s Crisis Line – Ottawa 613-745-4818
Ontario Assaulted Women’s Hotline 1-866-863-0511
Location: Counselling services are provided at Family Services à la famille Ottawa situated at 312 Parkdale Avenue.
Cost: There is no fee for these services. Help may be provided with transportation and childcare.
If you would like to access counselling services please contact our intake worker at 613-725-3601.
