How do I know if I am being abused?

Many women feel that if they are not being hurt physically then they are not being abused. This is a common yet incorrect assumption. Abuse can occur in many forms but the most common are physical, emotional and sexual.

Another common assumption is that only your husband or partner is capable of abuse. Again this is not true, abuse can (and often does) come from a brother, a sister, a cousin, uncle, a boss, a friend, care-giver, mother-in-law and a child. Ask yourself the following: Is there someone in your life that:

• Slaps, punches, or kicks you


• Makes fun of the way you look or what you wear


• Threatens to have you deported


• Harms or threatens to harm your children


• Harms or threatens to harm your pets


• Forces you to give up your paycheck


• Withholds or hides things you need like medicine or important documents


• Locks up food in the house


• Damages your personal property


• Forbids you to talk to your family or friends


• Follows you and /or tries to monitor your every move


• Threatens to kill you


• Forces you to have sex or do things against your wish


• Calls you demeaning names

If you answered yes to one or more of these question you might be experiencing abuse.

Are Immigrant women abused more frequently than Non-immigrant women?

Abuse knows no economic, cultural or geographic boundaries. Immigrant and non-immigrant women tell of similar violent experiences of pain, guilt, fear, and isolation suffered at the hands of their abusers. However, immigrant women have even fewer resources they can turn to for assistance.

What can I expect when I call WMRCC?

You can expect to speak with a counsellor whose first concern will be the safety of you and your children. The counsellor will be understanding and non-judgmental. She will work with you (either over the phone or in person) to figure out your options, find resources, and to help you to plan and achieve your goals.

What kind of men abuse women?

Abusive men come from all walks of life - doctors, cab drivers, lawyers, restaurant workers, businessmen, bankers, engineers, computer programmers, shopkeepers, diplomats, and entertainers. They can be young or old, rich or low-income, and of all religious faiths and educational levels. They can be fathers, brothers, uncles, friends, neighbours and co-workers. What they share in common, however, is a belief that they can exert power over their intimate partners, and that this behavior is justifiable.

Through our work we have learned that batterers can change. The abuse that they perpetrate against their partners is learned behaviour and therefore can be unlearned. Abusers however can change only if they first accept responsibility for their behavior and choose to learn new ways of communicating with their partners and dealing with their angers.

Will I be able to speak with someone who speaks my language?

Given the size of our organization, it will not always be possible to speak with a counselor who speaks your language. However, we will take the necessary steps to ensure that someone who speaks your language is made available. This person can help you articulate your needs.

Is there a fee for WMRCC services?

All services at WMRCC are free and confidential!

What are your hours of operation?

WMRCC is staffed from 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday excluding holidays. We can also see you on the weekends and evenings but you must call to arrange for this. If there is no one in the office you can leave a message and we will call you back. If you are in immediate danger please call 911 or the Assaulted Women’s Help Line at (416) 863-0511.

Suppose I am illegal in Canada will you report me to the police or to immigration?

No. Immigration Canada and Toronto or Durham Police Services are separate organizations. Everyone, regardless of his or her immigration status, is entitled to seek legal protection against domestic violence. If the police inquire about your immigration status, try to answer that you are "Working on your Immigration Issues."

Is your service only for women of colour, immigrant and refugee women?

While the majority of our clients are women of colour, immigrant and refugee women, we do not discriminate against any one seeking service on the basis of race, culture, nationality, religious background, sexual orientation, age or ability.

Why is there a need for this service?

Women of colour, immigrant and refugee women have encountered multiple barriers in using traditional domestic violence services. The history of discrimination of women from these groups has resulted in a general fear of mistreatment and overall mistrust of systems including criminal justice, welfare, social services, health services etc. WMRCC works with both service users and service providers in attempt to address these issues and supports the capacity of organizations and individuals working to end violence in the lives of all women.

Can men use your services?

No, we do not provide services to men. Our services are primarily geared toward women, youth and children. Due to safety reasons, men are asked to make prior arrangements before visiting our organization. We do however use a holistic approach in working with survivors which means we take into account all members of a woman’s family when intervening on behalf of an immigrant, refugee or woman of colour who is experiencing abuse.

How can I help an abused woman?

• denounce oppression


• reach out to women in your community


• be an advocate especially when you notice a family member or a friend is in an abusive situation, connect her with community resources

Any other questions? Please Email us