The Women’s Support Network of York Region this week launches a new evening counselling program for survivors of past or recent sexual violence, sexual harassment, human trafficking, abuse, exploitation or rape.
The walk-in program begins Thursday, July 11 and runs from 4 to 8 p.m. at the network’s office at 1110 Stellar Dr., Unit 109, in Newmarket. Survivors will have access to immediate and in-person support from the network’s counsellors, on a first-come first-served basis only.
The first session can begin as early as 4:15 p.m. and the last session of the night starts at 7:15 p.m.
“Awareness of sexual violence is increasing, which is a significant and positive achievement,” Women's Support Network of York Region executive director Jackie Benn-John said. “With the rise of the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements in the last year, community-based sexual assault centres have seen a significant upswing in calls and requests for support.”
“These realities indicate a positive cultural shift in sexual violence awareness, but they also bring new service demands and new support-seekers,” Benn-John added. “In response, we created the walk-in counselling support option which will complement our ongoing counselling program, and provide immediate and in-person support to survivors of sexual violence in York Region.”
Who is eligible for walk-in counselling?
The Women’s Support Network (WSN) welcomes:
- Woman-identified survivors of past sexual violence, including adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse
- Woman-identified survivors of recent sexual violence
- Survivors of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or rape
- Clients must be support-seekers who are not already in counselling at WSN with an ongoing counsellor
- New clients
- Clients on WSN’s existing waiting list for ongoing counselling
Walk-in counselling is most appropriate for support-seekers who:
- Have completed an intake for ongoing counselling, but are currently on a waiting list for longer-term services
- Have not completed an intake for ongoing counselling, and are thinking about giving counselling a try
- Do not wish to initiate formal counselling intake: They simply wish to come to counselling when they choose to do so and are available
- Have a less-predictable schedule or limited availability, and are unable to set an appointment in advance
- Want to access support in-person, one-time only
- Are new to WSN or York Region
- Have a time-limited or immediate question or concern regarding information on reporting, supporting a loved one/family member, need a referral to another service, support with coping and dealing with difficult emotions or memories.
- Support with advocacy or completing paperwork
- Need help preparing for an upcoming event such as a court date, facing one’s abuser, or a challenging social situation.
Walk-in counselling is meant to offer support to those who do not have ongoing supports in place and to provide support to individuals as needed, and on a short-term basis. It is not a substitute for sessions with one’s existing counsellor, or a place to access sessions additional to those provided through ongoing counselling.
Bus tickets are available for those needing assistance with transportation.
For more information, call 905-895-3646 or visit here.
The Women’s Support Network of York Region provides free, confidential services for women who have experienced sexual violence in York Region. It also operates a free crisis line 24 hours a day at 1-800-263-6734.
