iHEAL Program | Southwestern Public Health

Physical, financial, emotional and sexual abuse can take a toll on your health, safety and well-being – often for a long time. iHEAL is a free program for women from all backgrounds who have experienced abuse from a current or ex-partner. It helps women manage common issues they face and improve their health, safety and lives.

Backed by more than 20 years of research, over 95 per cent of women who have completed iHEAL recommend the program to other women.

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How does iHEAL work?

A public health nurse meets with you weekly or every other week for about six months
Meetings are in a safe place where you feel comfortable
You choose what to focus on – improving your health, safety, relationships, connections, personal growth or access to basic resources
Your iHEAL nurse will help you deal with what is most important to you
If you like, the nurse will help you access other resources too

There is no cost to you.

Need help to take part?

Let us know if you need support with things like:

Getting to your appointments
Finding a safe place for your children
Using a language interpreter
Or anything else that might make it easier for you to join

We may be able to help.

Want to join or learn more?

Fill out a referral form

What happens after you fill out a referral form:

Your contact information will be sent securely to an iHEAL nurse
The nurse will get in touch with you within one week to answer your questions
Your privacy is important to us, and your information will be kept safe

Community support services

iHEAL is not a crisis service. If you are in immediate danger or in urgently need help, please call 911. Below is a list of community support services.

Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO)

975 James St., Woodstock

24-Hour Crisis/Information/Help Line:
- 519-539-4811
- 1-800-265-1938
- Text: 519-788-9993
Office: 519-539-7488

Valora Place (St. Thomas)

45 Princess Ave., St. Thomas

24-Hour Support: 1-800-265-4305

iHEAL App

A free, private, and secure app for women who have experienced abuse from a current or past partner. It provides personalized safety tools and information.

Visit ihealapp.ca

St. Joseph’s Health Care London – Regional Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centre

Offers 24-hour emergency service and forensic assessments.

Phone: 519-646-6100 ext. 64224
Visit sjhc.london.on.ca/sexualassault

Assaulted Women’s Helpline (AWHL)

Provides 24-hour confidential support, crisis counselling, and referrals.

Website: awhl.org
Toll-Free: 1-866-863-0511
TTY: 1-866-863-7868
Text: #SAFE (#7233) on Bell, Rogers, Fido, or Telus

Atlohsa Family Healing Services

Emergency shelter for Indigenous women and their children facing abuse or homelessness.

24-Hour Crisis Line: 1-800-605-7477
Visit atlohsa.com

Southwest Healthline – LGBTQ2S+ Services

Browse services available in Southwestern Ontario.

View services

Legal Aid Ontario – Domestic Abuse Services

Provides free and urgent legal advice and may cover legal representation.

Website: legalaid.on.ca
Phone: 1-800-668-8258

Oxford Sexual Assault Services (OSAS)

Provides support for those that have experienced or are experiencing any form of sexual violence and are a resident of Oxford County.

Website: OSAS
Office Phone: 519-539-1111 ext 270
Cell Phone: 226-232-6149 (Call or Text)
Email: osas@oxchc.ca

Please note, OSAS is not an urgent or crisis service.

If you are concerned about someone monitoring your device history; learn how to take steps to protect your online privacy at Tech Safety Canada.

For community agencies and professionals

iHEAL is always voluntary. Individuals can enroll on their own or be referred by someone else (with their consent).

Complete a referral form
Complete our fax form
Call us at 519-207-0807 or toll-free at 1-800-922-0096 #5 and then #2

The iHEAL program does not replace the support you provide. We hope to strengthen supports for women through these important partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the nurse do?

The iHEAL nurse will work with the woman to explore various facets of the woman's health and wellbeing creating a holistic approach to care. The iHeal nurses are committed to a multidisciplinary approach, connecting women with the supports and services that are safe and will serve the woman best.

How long is the program?

The program is approximately 6-7 months with weekly or biweekly visits, depending on the clients needs.

Where do you meet the clients?

The iHeal nurse meets with the client in a safe location that works for them. The nurse will meet clients in their home, at a park, the library, coffee shop, or at the Public Health office. There is also the ability to do online video visits, phone, text or WhatsApp.

Does the woman have to be separated from the abusive partner?

No. The client can continue to live with their partner if that is their choice. The iHeal nurse works with the woman to make their current situation as safe as possible, and help build their confidence, resilience, capacity, and access to resources.

For any additional questions, you can call us at 519-207-0807 and we will put you in touch with an iHeal nurse.

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