The City of Oshawa is launching the community’s first Safe Havens at Fire Stations 1, 3, 5 and 6.
Safe Havens are secure, welcoming spaces inside fire stations that offer immediate safety, temporary refuge and connection to emergency and community services for anyone in crisis.
“With intimate partner violence now declared an epidemic in many Ontario communities, Safe Havens offer a much-needed bridge between crisis and care,” said Oshawa Fire Chief Stephen Barkwell. “Our firefighters are proud to play a role in helping people find safety when they are at their most vulnerable.”
Fire stations are ideal for this role thanks to their 24/7 staffing, accessibility, and strong community trust. Hosting Safe Havens is one more way Oshawa Fire Services extends its care beyond emergency response to help protect the city’s most vulnerable residents.
What Safe Havens Offer
A safe place anytime: People facing domestic violence, young people in crises, or those experiencing mental health emergencies can go to a participating fire station at any time for immediate help and a secure place to connect with further support.
Fast connections to services: Fire crews can quickly contact police, paramedics, or local crisis agencies, ensuring that no one has to face a crisis alone.
Easy to find and recognize: Each Safe Haven location is clearly marked with signage and lighting so those in need can easily spot a safe place.
Community collaboration: The program supports regional efforts to address gender-based violence, at risk youth, and mental health, strengthening community safety across Oshawa.
“Safe Havens are more than a welcoming and secure space,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “They send a powerful message that no one in our community has to face crisis alone. We’re ensuring that care, compassion, and safety are available exactly when and where people need them most.”
Stand Up Against Abuse: Bethesda House
In Bowmanville, to mark Woman Abuse Prevention Month in November, Bethesda House and support services agency has launched a powerful campaign that calls on their community to stand up against abuse.
The campaign is titled “Be the generation that breaks the cycle” and calls on the community to come together to be the allies, the voice, and the changemakers that can end the cycle of gender-based violence that is too often repeated across generations.
“At Bethesda House, we believe that every person has the power to make a difference…we call on our community to stand together as allies, raise their voices, and help break the cycle of abuse for future generations.” said Riley Spigarelli, Executive Director, Bethesda House.
Clarington action to stem intimate partner violence epidemic
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