Victim Services Toronto

One of the most common questions intimate partner violence survivors face is, “Why did you stay?” The reality is that abusers rarely show their true colours from the start. In the beginning, they often shower their partner with affection, gifts and constant attention, creating the illusion of a fairytale romance. This overwhelming display of love can make it difficult to recognize when control, manipulation or violence begins to take hold. Often, neither the victim nor their loved ones recognize the abuse for what it is until it's obvious: broken bones, verbal abuse or frozen bank accounts. This is why victims often stay. The cycle of abuse, combined with feelings of guilt, fear and emotional attachment makes leaving incredibly challenging. If you or someone you know are experiencing intimate partner violence, VST is here to help. Reach out to our 24/7 crisis team at 416-808-7066. ⁠ #enddomesticabuse #intimatepartnerviolence #IPV #crisissupport #heretohelp #victimservices

Let’s talk about consent! 🍟 The FRIES model for consent was created by @plannedparenthood to help us understand all the important parts of consent. Consent should be:  🍟 Freely given 🍟 Reversible 🍟 Informed 🍟 Enthusiastic 🍟 Specific But why is it so important? Consent ensures that all parties involved are comfortable, respected and empowered in their decisions. Whether it’s a hug, a conversation, or something more intimate, if a situation isn’t hitting all the letters of FRIES, it’s time to pause and check in. No one should ever feel pressured or uncertain about their boundaries! So what can you say to assert your boundaries in this situation? Here are some examples: 👉 “I’m not ready for this.” 👉 “I’m not comfortable with that.” 👉 “Can we slow down?”  👉 “I don’t like this, I’d like to stop now.” Consent isn’t just about saying yes or no– it’s about making sure everyone involved feels safe and heard. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, our crisis team is here to help. You can reach us 24/7 at 416-808-7066. #consentmatters #consent #consentissexy #healthyrelationships #consentculture #heretohelp

Every year, approximately 4,500 take their lives in Canada, with many more experiencing thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts. On World Suicide Prevention Day, we are reminded to break the stigma around mental health and reach out to those who may be struggling in silence. Contrary to the myth, talking about suicide doesn’t increase the risk– it can actually help someone feel seen, heard and supported during their darkest moments. If you think someone you know may be experiencing suicidal thoughts, don’t avoid the conversation. Here are some gentle ways to start: ✅ “I’ve noticed you seem different lately and just wanted to check in. How are you feeling?” ✅ “It seems like things have been tough lately. Do you want to talk about it?” ✅ “I care about you and want to make sure you’re okay. How can I support you?” Most importantly, remember to listen without judgement and show empathy and care. Your conversation could be one that saves a life. Note: If you are in an immediate crisis or emergency, please call 911. #worldsuicidepreventionday #suicideprevention #mentalhealthawareness #endthestigma #suicideawareness #heretohelp

In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, one of our T.E.A.R. Youth Leaders, Gabby, sits down with therapist, educator, and activist Karine Silverwoman (MSW, RSW) to learn more about mental health and suicide prevention. Watch this insightful video to learn more about what mental health stigma looks like, important warning signs to look out for, tips on how to support a loved one who is experiencing emotional distress and more! To learn more about the great work that Karine Silverwoman does and for additional  resources, visit https://lnkd.in/ektR7MgE. https://lnkd.in/eN5kGwif

The first few weeks of college, often referred to as “the red zone”, are statistically one of the most dangerous periods of the school year. In fact, more than 50% of university on-campus sexual assaults happen in the first 8 weeks of the school year. Freshmen and transfer students are particularly vulnerable during this time, as increased social activities and unfamiliar environments can create risky situations while they are still finding their footing. We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe on campus. By staying aware and looking out for one another, we can help prevent dangerous situations before they escalate. Swipe through this post for practical ways you can safely step in if you notice a fellow student might be in trouble or feeling uncomfortable! If you or someone you know have experienced sexual assault on-campus, VST is here to help. You can reach our 24/7 crisis team at 416-808-7066. #theredzone #consentculture #campussexualviolence #endsexualviolence #survivorsupport #heretohelp

Today is #InternationalDayofCharity– an important reminder of the power of giving back and supporting those in need within our communities. At Victim Services Toronto, we provide free, 24/7 support to individuals affected by crime and sudden tragedies, ensuring no one has to face their darkest moments alone. If you are wondering how you can help us continue our mission, then consider making a donation today. Whether it’s $10 or $100, every contribution helps survivors in our community rebuild their lives. Ready to make a difference? Click the link below to donate today. On behalf of the victims and survivors we support, thank you for your generosity. 💕  https://lnkd.in/gF7Sitct #internationaldayofcharity #charityday #makeadifference #giveback #heretohelp

As we head into back-to-school season, it’s important to remember how we respond to our children’s challenges can make all the difference in how they continue to communicate with us. Instead of reacting with shame or punishment, we should listen without judgement and guide them through tough situations to help ensure that they feel safe coming to us in the future. Swipe through this post to explore different scenarios and work through the quiz to see how you would respond! #backtoschool #safekids #teensafety #victimservices

Today is International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember, without stigma, those who have lost their lives to an overdose and to recognize the grief endured by their families and loved ones. Toronto is currently in the midst of a drug toxicity crisis, with 523 opioid toxicity deaths recorded in 2023 alone. Now more than ever, it’s important to empower ourselves with the knowledge to potentially save lives. Swipe through this post to learn more about Narcan and how you can make a difference. #overdoseawarenessday #savealife #naloxone #narcan #ODawareness #heretohelp

Heading back to campus this fall? College is meant to be a place where every student feels secure and supported, yet many women and non-binary folks face the harsh reality of sexual violence from day one. While we passionately believe it is unfair that the burden of safety often falls on those most vulnerable, we have put together these essential tips to help us all navigate the current climate more safely. If you or someone you know have experienced sexual assault on-campus, VST is here to help. You can reach our 24/7 crisis team at 416-808-7066. ⁠ #campussexualviolence #endsexualviolence #survivorsupport #consentculture #safetyfirst #heretohelp

It’s almost time to go back to school! While many parents love to share photos celebrating their child’s first day of school, it’s important to be mindful of what we share online. So before you hit the “share” button, consider the following: ❌ Don’t include the name of your child’s school as this can reveal their location to strangers. ❌ Avoid sharing details about their grade or teacher, it’s best to keep these details private. ❌ Be cautious of uniforms or school logos that can identify where your child goes to school. ❌ Turn off location tagging on your posts to keep your child’s whereabouts confidential. ❌ Avoid sharing personal details like your child’s full name, address or identifying information. Don’t forget to share your own safety tips in the comments below. 👇Here’s to another great school year! #backtoschool #backtoschoolsafetytips #onlinesafety #staysafe #schoolsafety #heretohelp