The York Region Centre for Community Safety (YRCCS) has expanded its crisis response services for survivors of intimate partner violence, ensuring help is available during evenings, weekends and throughout the holiday season — times when risk and isolation often increase.
Based in Markham, YRCCS is using a $62,500 seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to operate beyond regular business hours, including Christmas and New Year’s. The one-year grant, awarded in fall 2024, has allowed the organization to launch an after-hours crisis response program offering safety planning, emotional support and referrals to urgent services.
The expanded hours are designed to ensure survivors can access support exactly when they need it, rather than having to wait until the next business day. The funding reflects growing recognition that intimate partner violence does not stop at 5 p.m. — and that holidays can heighten stress, control and danger for those experiencing abuse.
YRCCS executive director Jaspreet Gill said the ability to provide support outside the traditional nine-to-five model has been a significant step forward.
“Being able to support people outside of standard business hours has been transformative for survivors,” Gill said. “It means someone doesn’t have to wait until morning to reach out when they’re in crisis.”
The organization highlighted the program during a Dec. 12 visit from an Ontario Trillium Foundation volunteer, who met with staff to see how the funding is being used. Markham—Thornhill MPP Logan Kanapathi, who attended the visit, said the expanded hours help remove barriers for survivors seeking help during critical moments.
YRCCS provides wraparound support for individuals affected by intimate partner violence, family violence, sexual violence and human trafficking, coordinating access to housing, counselling, legal assistance and other essential services across York Region.
According to national data, more than one in three women in Canada who have been in an intimate partner relationship have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, including physical or sexual assault, stalking, emotional or psychological abuse, financial control and coercive behaviour. While IPV affects people of all genders, women are disproportionately impacted and experience abuse more frequently.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the provincial government, supports community-based initiatives across Ontario that aim to improve health, safety and overall well-being.
