Globally, the number of domestic violence victims increases each year. Women, children, men, and seniors all suffer from it. Various organizations and services are created to help victims of domestic violence, and the city of Toronto is no exception. Today, we’ll talk about Interval House, one of Toronto’s oldest shelters for domestic violence victims. Read more about this on torontonka.com.
What We Know About Interval House
The history of this shelter dates back to the 1970s. Toronto feminists began to notice a trend: women suffering from domestic violence had nowhere to escape. They continued to endure horrific treatment and beatings because there was no refuge in our city. Furthermore, in the 20th century, it was not customary to “air dirty laundry” and talk about family problems.
Thus, feminists united as a collective based at the Women’s Place, a women’s organization centre. The women decided to create a special shelter for those suffering from domestic tyranny. Thanks to financial support, including a grant from United Way, the women rented a house on Spadina Road and opened Interval House. This happened on April 1, 1973.
It’s worth noting that Interval House became the first place in Canada where women could find safe shelter. It was here that victims of domestic violence received necessary assistance and could start a new life.
The shelter began to actively raise awareness about the problem of domestic violence, and Toronto and Canadian media increasingly covered the issue.
The Development of Interval House
In 1980, Interval House introduced a special program for children. Notably, it became the first shelter in Canada to do so. Men also began to be involved in counselling to model positive relationships. Eight years later, the Building Economic Self-Sufficiency (BESS) program was created. It helped women acquire life skills, professional knowledge, and support in finding employment.
In 2004, a new project, the Her Home Housing Project, was launched. This project provides affordable housing for graduates of the BESS program. Today, Interval House, along with other institutions and centres in Toronto, actively helps victims of domestic violence.
They have provided support through a 24/7 crisis hotline and offer a wide range of services for women and children.
It is important to mention that the shelter actively adapted to the new conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, as incidents of domestic violence and the number of victims increased during quarantine.
How Interval House Can Help You
If you or your loved ones have become victims of domestic violence, Interval House can help. Key programs include:
- Crisis Hotline: As mentioned earlier, the shelter operates a 24/7 crisis hotline that provides emergency support to those in need. It is also recommended to contact 911 in emergencies.
- Shelter: If you have nowhere to escape from a domestic abuser, this organization provides free housing for women and children.
- Building Economic Self-Sufficiency (BESS): This program helps women achieve economic independence and earn their own money.
- Counselling and Support: When a woman suffers from domestic violence, psychological and emotional support is crucial. This type of assistance is available at the shelter. Interval House provides counselling and support to help women and children overcome trauma and recover from violence.
- Educational Program: This is also an important area, as women often do not know their rights or even basic aspects of social integration.
For decades, Interval House and its programs have been helping women achieve economic independence, providing them with housing and emotional support. We hope this material was informative for you and that you have drawn the appropriate conclusions.