North York Women's Shelter - Hope Lives Here

We welcome women and children leaving abuse and will help you find your way

Mother and Son at Shelter
Picture of Inside of Shelter

BILL OF RIGHTS

Bill of Rights for Abused Women

  • I have the right not to be abused.
  • I have the right to anger over past abuse.
  • I have the right to change the situation.
  • I have the right to freedom from fear of abuse.
  • I have the right to request and expect assistance from police or social agencies.
  • I have the right to share my feelings and not be isolated from others.
  • I have the right to want a better role model of communication for my children.
  • I have the right to be treated like an adult.
  • I have the right to leave the abusive environment.
  • I have the right to privacy.
  • I have the right to express my own thoughts and feelings.
  • I have the right to develop my individual talents and abilities.
  • I have the right to legally prosecute the abusing spouse.
  • I have the right not to be perfect.

Adapted from “Battered Wives and Powerlessness” by Patricia G. Ball and Elizabeth Wymen. Courtesy of Peel Committee Against Women Abuse.