Resources for Women Experiencing Emotional or Financial Abuse
If you’ve recognized yourself in these pages, know this:
You are not imagining it.
You are not overreacting.
You are not alone.
Below are resources for women who are experiencing or recovering from emotional abuse, financial control, silent gaslighting, or any form of intimate partner manipulation.
Crisis & Emergency Support (Canada):
ShelterSafe.ca – www.sheltersafe.ca
A map-based resource to help women and children find shelters near them.
Assaulted Women’s Helpline – 1-866-863-0511 (available 24/7)
Kids Help Phone – 1-800-668-6868 (for youth or parents needing emotional support)
Legal and Financial Help:
Legal Aid Ontario – www.legalaid.on.ca
Free or low-cost legal support for women facing abuse, custody issues, or financial abuse.
Canadian Women's Foundation – www.canadianwomen.org
Offers support for women leaving abusive relationships, including economic independence programs.
Lukes Place:
Luke's Place is a Canadian organization that provides specialized legal support for women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence. Based in Ontario, it focuses on helping women navigate the family law system safely and effectively.
Mental Health and Recovery:
Women’s Mental Health Clinics (Ontario) – Ask your local health unit or family doctor for a referral.
Wellness Together Canada – www.wellnesstogether.ca
Free virtual mental health support (counselling, peer support, self-guided programs).
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – www.camh.ca
Books & Further Reading:
The Verbally Abusive Relationship by Patricia Evans
Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft
Invisible Chains by Lisa Aronson Fontes (on coercive control)
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
Empathic Coach, frayamortensen.net