Safety, independence and a place to belong
Women and family support: build stability around your needs
Family life in a new country can involve new routines, financial pressure and unequal responsibilities. Help should make room for your own goals as well as your family’s needs—and put safety first when something is wrong.
Reviewed 7 September 2026 · Durham Region, Ontario
When the issue is safety, start with a specialist
Abuse can include threats, controlling access to money, isolation or physical harm. You do not need to resolve your immigration or financial situation before asking a specialist service about safety options. Durham Region’s domestic-violence resource page lists local shelters, helplines and other supports, including the Assaulted Women’s Helpline at 1-866-863-0511.
Tell the service how and when it is safe to contact you. Ask a specialist to help you think through your situation rather than making a plan that could increase risk. A general directory email is not monitored as a crisis line. Avoid using children to interpret sensitive safety conversations; ask the service about language assistance.
For everyday settlement, make room for your goals
Perhaps the main difficulty is finding childcare while learning English, rebuilding a career, meeting people or managing appointments alone. Choose one change that would make the next month easier. Community Development Council Durham is a community entry point; ask which current programs or referrals match that goal.
The Ajax Welcome Centre publishes newcomer women’s entrepreneurship and community-connection programs. These can be worth asking about if you want to explore work or social participation, but they are not substitutes for domestic-violence services. Confirm eligibility, session times and any childcare arrangements for the particular program.
Untangle school, childcare and work schedules
Sketch a typical week, including school journeys, shift times and appointments. Identify the hours when you need help rather than requesting “any childcare.” Use the schools and childcare guide to prepare school questions and the language guide to compare learning formats.
Ask a settlement worker whether there are suitable parent programs, school connections or referrals near your home. If cost or transport blocks participation, say so before enrolling. A plan that depends on journeys you cannot afford will be difficult to sustain.
Keep legal questions on a separate track
If family violence and immigration concerns overlap, Legal Aid Ontario’s domestic-abuse services explains routes to legal help, including urgent advice options. Ask about your own circumstances and eligibility. Do not assume that a sponsorship relationship determines all your options or rely on someone who is threatening you to explain the law.
When you contact any professional, distinguish what you need now—safety, legal advice, accommodation or ongoing family support. You may need more than one service. Choose a safe place to keep the agreed next steps, and tell the worker if written messages or voicemail could expose you to harm.
Put this guide into action
Relevant contacts in our directory
Community Development Council Durham
Community settlement support and referrals; not an emergency shelter.
info@cdcd.orgAjax Welcome Centre
Ask about women’s programs and community connections; not a crisis service.
awc@welcomecentre.caPublic business emails are for routine enquiries, not emergency assistance. Confirm intake, eligibility and fees with the provider.
Sources and further help
This independent guide helps you find services; it does not replace professional advice or an individual eligibility assessment. Report a correction.