As a domestic violence survivor, I know what an important role therapy has played in my recovery journey. I was incredibly grateful to access free counseling for my child through Agape House, as the trauma of our family situation obviously affected them too. Amy is absolutely wonderful at what she does, and a huge asset to the shelter. During their time together, Amy and my child worked on topics such as self-esteem, self-compassion, boundaries and emotional regulation. I saw positive changes in my child’s behaviour and attitude that were very encouraging. I also appreciated the flexibility with booking appointments and that Amy was always happy to be available to talk to us between sessions, if we needed her. The Children’s Counseling program is a wonderful addition to the services provided by Agape House and I know it’s going to help so many families the way it helped ours.
– Past Agape House Client (Anonymous)
I just want to say that if it wasn’t for the help I received from you at Agape House, I would be one of the missing or dead women in Manitoba today. I came to you in 2000 and with the help of your staff; I was able to put my life back together for myself and my children. I have been able to go back to school, got a counselling certificate and I now give back to my community as much as I can.
I have met and married a wonderful man that has never imagined the idea of hurting another human being and has helped me parent my adult children as his own. We now have 9 grandchildren and have been blessed with a second chance at life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I continue to work with families at risk with a Families First program, I am a board member for a Women’s Resource Centre, I work with new immigrant women in my community and I do some private counselling free of charge for women. You are always in my prayers.
– Past Agape House Client (Anonymous)
A Day in the Life of Canada’s Shelters
On one day in Canada, 215 shelters housed and helped 1807 women and 1587 children
An additional 1806 women and 657 were supported by outreach on the same day
47% of shelters were full; 75% of residential service requests could not be accommodated
Researchers found that while threats to the safety of a household pet increased women’s desire to leave, 56% delayed leaving due to concern about pet’s safety. 47% would have left earlier if could have brought pet to shelter with them.
Shelters are contacted by a steady flow of women seeking safety for their pets as part of their own process of leaving abuse.
Source: Shelter Voices, June 2018, Women’s Shelters Canada
