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Fresh Start for Women

We’re committed to supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual violence. This program helps women who have suffered abuse to make a fresh start.

  • Services are safe, confidential, and free

  • Aims to reduce abuse against women through individual counselling and support groups

  • Encourages women to find their voice and build confidence

  • Partners with Embrave, a shelter providing transitional housing for women

  • Accompanies clients to court, when appropriate, and advocates on their behalf

  • Makes referrals to other supporting agencies

  • We help over 100 women and dependent children through our program each year

  • Funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Contact Janin at 905-455-6789 ext. 106 or email freshstart@rootscs.org

Gender Based Violence Prevention Program

We are committed to providing individuals with solace and strategies to cope with intimate partner violence.

  • Services are safe, confidential, and free
  • Focuses on women, especially trans women and those who have been trafficked
  • Based primarily at the Safe Centre of Peel (SCoP), a co-located, integrated and coordinated hub at the Davis Centre, 60 West Drive, Brampton, which addresses the needs of people experiencing family and intimate partner violence.

Contact our Client Service Navigator at 905-455-6789 ext. 137 or email intake@rootscs.org to schedule an appointment or to learn more

Internet Safe Use

  • Clear browsing and search history as often as you can.
  • Change all passwords and do not enable “remember my password”.
    When setting up or changing your password, choose a secret question that is unknown to the abuser.
  • Do not accept friend requests from unknown users and confirm the identity of known users before accepting the request. It is very easy for someone to make a fake account or pretend to be someone else.
  • Go through the privacy settings on all accounts and keep all accounts private.
  • Never post personal information online (for example, your location, your employer).
  • Be mindful of what can be seen in photos you upload (for example, street signs, familiar landmarks).
  • When downloading apps, turn location off.
  • Talk to your friends and family about what they are posting online that the abuser may see.
  • Delete the abuser off your accounts and request your friends and family to delete the abuser as well.
  • Consider also deleting any contacts you may have who are associated or friends with the abuser. The abuser can use their friends to contact you or retrieve information.
  • Talk to your children about what they post online, accepting friend requests, and responding to unknown messages.
  • If you are receiving unwanted contact from the abuser, or are being threatened online or through text message, keep a record of the communication and your effort to end contact. If there is a no-contact order in place, do not reply and report to Police.
“During my counselling, Janin was always punctual, respectful and very polite. In addition, she was exceptionally knowledgeable. She was able to answer all my questions thoroughly. I was especially amazed at how organized and well prepared she was at each session – I was quickly able to engage in positive discussions. I was astonished by her ability to communicate so effectively, educating me on different ways to enhance my family as a whole. Without a doubt Janin’s determination to uplift women and her insights on abuse helps make for stronger and healthier families in our communities.”
Ella
“I’d like to extend my gratitude to UACS for its remarkable job counselling me and my son. I have tried various counselors in the past with no results. However, as a result of our counselling sessions with Janin, I’ve seen tremendous changes in my son’s confidence, speech, negotiation skills, and behavior. Since the beginning of the school year, I have not received any negative comments from the school or teachers pertaining to his behavior. I would recommend these services to anyone in a similar position. The results have been magnificent.”
Sheina

Make a difference!

We cannot do it alone and so rely on you – our funders, donors, volunteers – to help us build a strong community that holds a brighter future for our children and youth, a peaceful place for our seniors, and a safe and clean environment for everyone. There are a few ways you can help to make a difference. Which one will you choose?

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