Gender-Based Violence

Safe to Surf?

If you have accessed this information because you are in an abusive relationship, please consider your safety. Abusers often monitor your online activity just like they monitor your other activity.

You should be aware that abusers can easily monitor computer use. Even if you delete your history, ‘spyware’ is available to track every site you visit and everything you type. If you think your computer activity might be monitored, it may be safest to use a computer at a library or a friend’s place to search for information, or send emails related to your escape plan.

YWCA Regina believes that we are a strong voice for women and survivors of gender-based and family violence, largely due to the programs and services that we provide to women and families in our community.

Over 50% of Canadian women will experience gender-based violence in their lifetime. Indigenous women are three times more likely to report being a victim of gender-based violence than non-Indigenous women. In Saskatchewan, the rate of sexual assault is twice the national average. 78% of women accessing YWCA Regina emergency shelters do so as a result of violence.

Isabel Johnson Shelter

YWCA Regina has provided a safe place for women and families experiencing domestic violence for more than 30 years at the Isabel Johnson Shelter. Our long-term commitment is to prevent gender-based violence, to break the cycle that perpetuates violence, and to work toward a violence-free community. The programs and services that we provide address both the need for immediate intervention and for long-term preventative work.

The Isabel Johnson Shelter is a safe place to stay while you work through future plans and a place to turn to by phone if you need someone to talk to about the abuse you’ve experienced. Our services are confidential and free of charge. To set up your stay, or for support and guidance by phone, call 306-525-2141 and ask to speak to a shelter worker.

If you are a woman who needs to flee a violent or abusive situation, then you are eligible to stay, with or without children, without charge. When you call us, the staff member you talk to will ask some questions about your situation and will let you know whether there is space available or not. If Isabel Johnson Shelter is currently full, they will suggest other options for you.

What to Expect in a Shelter

A private facility
Private bedrooms for single women or families
Shared kitchen and living rooms
24-hour staff available to assist and support you
Optional group support activities
An atmosphere of respect

Isabel Johnson thanks the Government of Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice for providing core funding to support our operations. We are supported in part by a grant from the Social Development Community Investment Program of the City of Regina, and we recognize Winners/Homesense as partners in the Canadian Women’s Foundation Campaign to End Violence Again Women.

Learn More: View our Program Documents

NESS Fund

The National Emergency Survivor Support Fund (NESS Fund) provides financial support (through no-interest, flexible loans or non-repayable grants) to women, Two-Spirit, Trans and gender-diverse people who are fleeing unsafe homes or looking to establish stable housing after leaving emergency shelters or other precarious living conditions (couch-surfing, staying with friends/family, or being unhoused) due to experiences of intimate partner or family violence.

YWCA Canada has been provided an initial four years of funding to launch this Fund in partnership with 9 YWCA Member Associations and bolster existing programming in the 3 YWCA Member Associations currently running December 6th Funds. In total, 12 Member Associations have joined with YWCA Canada to deliver this project.

Eligibility: The National Emergency Survivor Support Fund is intended for women, Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse survivors of intimate partner, domestic or family violence, 16 years of age or older, seeking support to leave dangerous or precarious living situations or leave shelters.

The provided grant can be up to a maximum of $2,000, as determined by the YWCA issuing financial assistance (average size of $1,200). The grant can be used to pay the following:

Rent, rental deposits, and rental arrears prevent applicants from finding new housing;
Utilities (Deposits, arrears, set up);
Moving, transportation and storage costs;
Gender-affirming services
Expenses related to settlement or citizenship
Furniture for the new housing, and
Other directly related expenses as approved by YWCA issuing financial assistance

If you are in need of support, you can complete the intake form by CLICKING HERE
For more information you can contact YWCA Regina’s Outreach Team directly at bernardm@ywcaregina.com or 306-525-2141 ext. 116

What is the NESS Fund? YWCA’s NESS Fund provide one-time financial support of up to $2,000 to survivors of gender-based violence to help them leave abusive living conditions, emergency shelters or precarious living situations like staying temporarily with friends/family or living unhoused.

Who can apply for YWCA’s NESS Fund? The National Emergency Survivor Support Fund is intended for women, Two-Spirit, trans and gender-diverse survivors of intimate partner, domestic or family violence, 16 years of age or older, seeking support to leave dangerous or precarious living situations, leave shelters, or maintain stability/safety after an experience of violence.

What does gender-based violence mean? Gender-based violence is an umbrella term describing harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. This includes domestic violence and abuse, intimate-partner violence and family violence.

How do I apply for support? While there is limited funding available at this time, YWCA Regina will do our best to help as many clients as possible with this funding. For more information and to complete the intake form, please CLICK HERE.

How can I support the fund? Right now, the project is equipped to provide 1500 grants over the next 4 years in 12 regions across the country. We know we need to do much more to meet the needs of survivors nationwide. By donating, you’re standing with survivors. You can make your gift here: https://ywcacanada.ca/?form=nessf

YWCA Regina
1940 McIntyre Street, Regina SK S4P 2R3
Email: ywcaregina@ywcaregina.com
Phone: 306-525-2141 | Fax: 306-525-2171

CHARITABLE REGISTRATION #10822 7950 RR0001

YWCA Regina Inc. is accredited under the Imagine Canada Standards Program.
The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under license by YWCA Regina Inc.

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