Get Help
Telephone support and emergency shelter services are available to women anywhere in the region. Our shelter also works with family violence programs across the NWT Canada.
Click here for a list of other emergency shelters in the NWT.
What is a family violence shelter?
Family violence shelters are emergency shelters that are open 24/7 for all self-identifying women and their children who are victims of violence. All services provided there are free, confidential, and compassionate. Workers won’t tell anyone you are staying there.
Who can go to the shelter?
Anyone who identifies as a woman in the NWT and is experiencing family violence can go to a shelter. If there is no shelter in your community or region, your Health and Social Services Authority may provide you with a free return air ticket to the nearest family violence shelter. If you have young dependent children, they can go with you to the shelter.
How do I get to a shelter?
Call one of the telephone numbers on the back of this pamphlet – numbers are included for all NWT shelters. A shelter worker will provide you with more information and instructions. This may involve driving or flying to the closest shelter.
What will happen to me at the shelter?
At the shelter, you and your children will get your own room. If you want to talk to someone, you can get support from the shelter workers. They will talk to you about family violence and may give you information about services like counselling, income support, safety planning, and how to apply for housing. You can decide if you would like to use these services or not.
How long do I have to stay?
The maximum length of stay is usually six weeks, but you can leave whenever you like. It is up to you what you do after you leave the shelter. In some communities, transitional housing and other such programs may be an option if you do not want to return home. Before you leave, a shelter worker can help you decide what to do next.
Will my children be taken away if I go to a shelter?
Shelter workers will only call a child protection social worker if they think someone has hurt your child. This does not necessarily mean that your children will be taken into care. It means Child and Family Services will be able to make sure your children are safe and can get help or counselling if they have been hurt.
How many times can I go to a shelter?
There is no limit to the number of times you can go to a shelter. If you are experiencing family violence, you have the right to go to a shelter.
What if I’m experiencing family violence, but I don’t want to stay at a shelter?
Shelter workers at the family violence shelters can give you support over the phone and help you to make a safety plan. Phone numbers are on the back of this pamphlet. If you live near a shelter, you can also go there for drop-in support without staying overnight.
If you and your children are in danger, you may be able to get an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) so that you can stay in your home safely. If granted, the abuser may be required to move out of the family home. If you would like an EPO, call your local RCMP or YWCA NWT’s Alison McAteer House.
Do I need to talk to the RCMP?
No. Family violence shelters respect your choices. If you do not want to report the violence or charge the person hurting you, you can still go to the shelter. The shelter worker may ask you if you want to call the RCMP, but it is your choice.