Who we are

RESPECT is a non-profit society that provides support, education and advocacy for women that have experienced domestic abuse.  We work to build awareness about the realities and dynamics of abuse.  We also make efforts toward the elimination of abuse against women and promote equality for all women.

RESPECT is a group of women from a variety of backgrounds.  We each have a different story to tell, but the common thread in each of our stories is that we were abused by an intimate partner and took action to change our lives.

What we do

Since 2004, we have been funding and facilitating Support Groups for women. We partner with the WINGS Transition House society (Monarch and Azure Houses), who helps to pay for our 10 week Phase 1 groups. We raise funds to also provide a second 10 week Phase 2 group.

We are there to support and walk alongside someone living the reality of abuse in their lives.  RESPECT also strives to provide women with the tools that they need in order to leave abusive relationships and the warning signs to look for in potential future relationships.We continue to be storytellers, wherever asked, in counselling classrooms, schools of theology, church services, community groups, church annual general meetings, universities and workshops on abuse.  Our goal is to dispel the stereotypes that people hold regarding who the victims of abuse are.  We want to increase awareness regarding the many types of abuse and their impact. 

We speak to various women to give encouragement, information on the legal process, and safety strategies in getting out of an abusive relationship or in coping in one.

We offer understanding and compassion to women who are experiencing abuse.  We know how alone you can feel, and how much you may doubt yourself. Our key message is to listen to your inner voice when it tells you that what you are experiencing is not okay.

We occasionally offer free counselling to desperately needy women who have no access to helpful resources.

We place the book, “When Love Hurts”, in various libraries, some jails, in doctor’s offices, etc. with the aim of reaching the public at large with information.  We have found that many people think that “abuse” is only physical and involves only women who have made bad choices, or live in poverty.  They do not realize the far-reaching scope and impact of it. Many of us did not realize that what we were living with was abuse.