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Who We Are

HISTORY

In 2000, the Ontario government allocated specific funds towards child witness of woman abuse programs. This marked a formalized recognition of the importance of early intervention efforts directed toward children exposed to violence. This extremely valuable prevention, through early intervention approach, was implemented across the province by the Ministry of Community and Social Services. The initial implementation guidelines proposed by the province in 2000 suggested a ‘one size fits all’ model. Through our experience of working in the Region of Peel which is highly diverse, linguistically and culturally, we understood that the mainstream approach was not going to meet our local needs.

The HEAL Network, a 15 agency collaboration, was formed to implement this prevention strategy in Peel. This collaboration has representation from various ethno specific and multicultural agencies. Since its inception, the HEAL Network has been committed to providing culturally competent services to the diverse communities of the Region of Peel. The HEAL Network partners have come together to provide sservices for children who have been exposed to woman abuse.

THE NEED

When children witness their mother being abused, woman abuse they feel disempowered and exhibit a range of symptomatic behaviours which depends on their stage of development, gender, the duration, the frequency and intensity of the woman abuse and the support that the child receives. For instance, children ages 5 to 12 years who have witnessed abuse against their mother may suffer from frequent illness, regressive behaviour and symptoms related to post-traumatic stress disorder.

NETWORK MEMBERS

Click on each member agency for description

or link to their website.

Catholic Family Services Peel-Dufferin

Catholic Cross-Cultural Services

Family Education Centre

Family Services of Peel

India Rainbow

Interim Place

Malton Neighbourhood Services

Multicultural Inter-Agency Group of Peel

Muslim Community Services