Our Services
Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention Services’ reputation as a leading authority in the area of domestic violence is a result of more than 24 years of providing relevant, quality services and programs that meet the changing needs of the community. Below is an overview of our key program areas:
- Crisis Telephone Line
- Emergency Safe Shelter
- Transitional and Housing Support Program
- Community Counselling
- Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Program
- Challenge to Change (Men’s Program)
- Caring Families
- Violence Prevention & Violence Education Outreach Programs
- Domestic Abuse Support
- Community Partnerships
- Fundraising and Community Development
- Volunteer Program
The 24-hour crisis telephone line, 519-752-HELP, is available to anyone in the community who is in crisis, or who needs help and advice about an issue involving domestic violence. While many of the callers are woman who themselves are the victims of physical and/or emotional abuse, an increasing number of calls are from concerned friends, family members, neighbours and co-workers.
Emergency Shelter
We have 30 emergency beds for abused and/or homeless women and children. The shelter is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing a safe haven, meals, support, information and referrals to other community resources. The child-friendly facility has both indoor and outdoor play areas. Children and adolescents receive the comfort and support they need from dedicated Child and Youth Workers.
Call 519-752-HELP (4357)
Transitional and Housing Support Program
Our services for women who want to make the transition to an independent, violence-free life include safety planning, assistance in obtaining housing, referrals to other community resources, accompaniment (i.e. to court, lawyer’s office, other appointments), advocacy with social service agencies, home support and follow-up. In addition to working with non-profit housing providers in the community, Nova Vita owns and operates an eight-unit transitional housing service, “Maria House – A Home for Families in Transition” which offers longer term residential stays for women and children in a setting that combines independent living with counselling and life skills training.
To arrange for an intake appointment, call 519-752-1005, ext 248.
Counselling is provided to women aged 16 and over who are in – or have been in – an abusive relationship. Most counselling takes place in small group settings, where participants can draw support from one other. The stronger focus on group counselling, combined with streamlined intake procedures, have drastically reduced the waiting times for service. A senior women’s group (WOW, Women of Wisdom) allows clients and counselors to address the special needs and concerns of this unique population.
To arrange for an intake appointment, call 519- 752-1005, ext 221.
Children Exposed to Domestic Violence Program
Children and adolescents aged 4 to 16 meet in small groups to deal with the violence they have witnessed against their mothers. Concurrently, the mothers attend separate sessions to discuss the impact of domestic violence on children and learn parenting/coping strategies.
Childcare and transportation will be provided if required.
* Program Flyer: Children Exposed to Domestic Violence
To arrange for an intake appointment, call 519-752-1005, ext 237.
Challenge to Change - Men's Program
This 16-week program is directed at men who are, or are at risk of becoming, abusive towards their partners. Through group counselling, participants discover how the violence has impacted on their families, learn how to stop their abusive behaviours and develop new respect for their partners and their relationship. The safety of the participants’ female partners is monitored through the Partner Check Program. Participants are offered ongoing therapeutic/crisis support through out the program. On completing the program participants have developed an accountably statement which incorporates safety planning and ways to achieve non-abusive relationships. Please note this program is also offered to women who are, or are at risk of becoming abusive to their partners. Separate programming is offered for men and women.
To arrange for an intake appointment, call 519- 752-1005 ext 242.
This prevention-based program helps parents create respectful adult relationships and a cooperative, positive co-parenting approach with their children. This 16-week program offers separate groups for fathers and mothers with an eight-week children’s group. Parents participate in an active learning model which supports reducing parental conflict. The groups are free for all participants. This program is highly recommended for families experiencing conflict where the parents are actively involved in parenting their children and either in the same home, separated or divorced.
To arrange for an intake appointment, call 519-752-1005, ext 222.
* Program Flyer:
Violence Prevention & Violence Education Outreach Programs
Class presentations are delivered to high school and elementary students on such topics as domestic violence, teen dating violence, sexual harassment and healthy relationships. Nova Vita also conducts in-service seminars at local agencies and delivers workshops and presentations on various issues surrounding domestic violence to service clubs, churches, businesses and other groups in the community on request.
Presentations are free of charge, but subject to availability.
Please click on the link below to print a copy of our brochure.
For more information or to book a presentation call 519- 752-1005, ext 212 or 232.
* Program Flyer: Brochure - 2007-2008 Violence Education & Prevention
Domestic Abuse Support works collaboratively with social service agencies who service men, women and children impacted by domestic violence. It provides assessment, intervention, individualized case planning and referrals to appropriate domestic violence resources. Workers also provide on-site training for agencies to develop the necessary skills to assess and address the impacts of domestic violence on families.
Nova Vita’s proactive and innovative approach to ending the cycle of violence involves close working relationships with the Brantford Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, Victims Services of Brant, the Sexual Assault Centre of Brant, school boards and many other local organizations and social service agencies. The Children’s Aid Society of Brant, the Brant County Health Unit and Addictions Services of Brant provide on-site services for Nova Vita clients.
Nova Vita is an active member of the Mayor’s Task Force on Domestic Violence Prevention and the lead agency for DiVA, a subcommittee charged with the task of promoting heightened community awareness of the issue of domestic violence.
Fundraising and Community Development
Events and activities – such as the annual Charity Golf Tournament - generate much needed funds and provide an opportunity to increase awareness of Nova Vita’s vital services. The Daisy of Hope Campaign continues to grow as more and more shelters throughout the province participate in this unique fundraising/public awareness initiative.
Since our establishment in 1983, we have provided shelter and support to more than 11,000 women, children and men in the communities of Brant.
Any donations to Nova Vita will be gratefully acknowledged with a charitable tax receipt and recognition on our Donor Celebration Exhibit in our reception area.
Our volunteer team assists us in our day-to-day shelter activities in addition to childcare, clerical, reception and maintenance responsibilities. This program provides valuable job skills training to our volunteers, some of whom are former clients.
For further information, please contact 519-752-1005 ext. 216.
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