IPV: Seeking Cultural Support

As a new member of our community, we want you to know that you should never feel shame in seeking support, especially if you are seeking to leave an abusive situation. Violence is not tolerated and we want to help you live a safe and happy life. We want you to be successful. You deserve it.

The Govt of Canada also provides advice and direction if:

• You might feel very alone in Canada.
• Your abuser might lie to you about your status in Canada.
• You might find it hard to talk to people.
• You might fear for your safety and the safety of your children.
• You might find it hard to communicate in English or French.
• You might be confused about your particular rights under Canadian law.

Do you fear losing your immigration status?

If you are facing family violence and are afraid of losing your immigration status in Canada by leaving your abusive spouse or partner, you have options:

• If you have valid temporary status in Canada, you may be able to:
  • extend or renew your status

• If your temporary status is expired, you may be eligible to:
  • restore your status
  • apply for a special permit to stay in Canada temporarily

• Different programs are available to immigrate to Canada, such as applying for permanent residence under humanitarian and compassionate grounds.

Association for New Canadians

The Association for New Canadians (ANC) delivers settlement and integration services to immigrants and refugees in Newfoundland and Labrador. For over 40 years, the Association has delivered programs and services that support all aspects of immigrant integration, ranging from settlement information, peer support, as well as orientation to language learning, skills development and employment.

Website: Click
Phone:   709-722-9680

First Light

First Light serves the urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous community alike by providing programs and services rooted in the revitalization, strengthening and celebration of Indigenous cultures and languages in the spirit of trust, respect, and friendship. They also have a safe housing program: Shanawdithit Shelter (see information below).

Website: Click
Phone:   709-726-5902

Indigenous Student Resource Centre (ISRC)

The Indigenous Student Resource Centre (ISRC) provides a safe, respectable, and culturally-sensitive safe for self-identified Indigenous students on campus. To complete the self-identification process, click here.

Website: Click
Phone: 709-864-3495/864-8278

Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre

With a location in St. John’s, the Multicultural Mental Health Resource Centre (MMHRC) seeks to improve the quality and availability of mental health services for people from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, including immigrants, refugees, and members of established ethnocultural communities. Addressing issues of language, culture, religion and other aspects of cultural diversity can promote greater equity in mental health care.

Website: Click
Phone:   709-722-9680

Multicultural Women’s Organization of NL

MWONL is a culturally diverse, provincial-based non-profit organization that was formed in 1982. With a gender specific mandate, the organization delivers programs and services to immigrant and newcomer women and their families in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Website: Click
Phone:   709-726-0321

NL Legal Aid Commission

The NL Legal Aid Commission helps people with serious legal problems who are in financial need and cannot afford private counsel. Legal aid is funded by the Federal and Provincial governments and by the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Provides legal representation for the following types of legal matters: Criminal, Family, Youth, Immigration and Refugee matters, Child Protection Cases, and some Traffic Offences,. For certain types of legal matters (Summary Conviction Offenses, Civil Claims, Child Support, Traffic Offences, and Immigration Matters) representation depends on the situation.

Website: Click
Phone: 709-753-4614

Refugee Immigrant Advisory Council

The Refugee Immigrant Advisory Council seeks to create a community that is inclusive and free of prejudice; that celebrates the diversity of all its members; and that supports the rights of all people to enjoy freedom from persecution, danger and oppression through various services and programs.

Website: Click
Phone: 709-754-4122

Shanawdithit Shelter

The Shanawdithit Shelter is a ten room shelter for both individuals seeking accommodations while travelling for medical appointments, as well as for individuals seeking emergency housing. The shelter is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year. It provides safe, accessible accommodations for individuals ages 16+, as well as children of all ages who are accompanied by a family member. The Shanawdithit Shelter currently has one accessible room for people with disabilities, and is working on creating more accessible spaces.

Website: Click
Phone:   709-754-4122