Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region (WCSWR) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals and their children who experience domestic violence. Registered under the business number 106716525RR0001, WCSWR operates within the Waterloo Region and focuses on providing safe shelter, outreach services, prevention, and education to empower survivors to move beyond violence.

Programs and Services

WCSWR operates two emergency shelters:

• Anselma House in Kitchener
• Haven House in Cambridge

These shelters provide safe housing and support for women and children fleeing domestic violence. In addition to residential services, WCSWR offers a free and confidential outreach program accessible to women across all cities and townships in the Waterloo Region. This program supports those experiencing domestic violence who do not require emergency shelter and operates without a waitlist, ensuring timely assistance.

Support and Accessibility

The organization maintains 24/7 crisis support lines, enabling immediate confidential assistance for individuals in need. They also provide an online chat service to facilitate accessible and anonymous communication. WCSWR’s comprehensive approach ensures flexibility and accessibility for survivors seeking help.

Prevention and Community Engagement

WCSWR is actively involved in prevention and education initiatives aimed at ending domestic violence. One notable project, She Is Your Neighbour, is a prevention and storytelling series highlighting the complex realities of domestic violence through personal stories from diverse community members. This project emphasizes the collective role of society in addressing and ending domestic violence.

Mission and Values

The core mission of WCSWR is to empower and support survivors by providing safe shelter and outreach services, fostering an environment where women and children can find safety and healing. The organization recognizes the diverse experiences of those affected by domestic violence and works inclusively to serve women, transgender, and gender-diverse individuals.

Women's Crisis Services of Waterloo Region remains a vital resource in the Waterloo community, offering critical shelters, outreach, and educational programs to combat domestic violence and support survivors on their path to recovery.