Support for Mental Health Care Providers
Training
Training Programs for Professionals
Our training programs are research-based, trauma- and violence-informed, and designed specifically for mental health professionals.
ODARA 101
ODARA 101 introduces the Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment, an evidence-based tool used to estimate the likelihood of future Intimate Partner Violence. This training walks participants through the purpose, structure, and scoring of the ODARA, and offers guidance on how to use risk information ethically and collaboratively in safety planning and clinical decision-making.
Clinician Training Opportunities
This training stream supports mental health professionals in integrating intimate partner and gender-based violence considerations into their everyday work. Participants learn how to ask about violence safely, respond to disclosures, collaborate on safety plans, and connect people with appropriate services, while maintaining a trauma- and violence-informed stance.
Resources
Resources You May Find Helpful
These resources are designed to help you learn more and provide trauma- and violence-informed care.
Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario
Resources provided by the Aboriginal Shelters of Ontario.
Get Started
Audio based guide/risk assessment site.
Family Law Rights
Fantastic resource hub covering legal advice for women leaving abusive relationships including information about children, money and property, and family courts.
Resource Library
Library of resources to understand gender-based violence/intimate partner violence.
Neighbours, Friends and Families – Working Together to End Abuse
Course for supporters to learn the signs of abuse and how to make an appropriate response.
The Family Court Survival Workbook for Women Leaving Abusive Relationships
In depth microsite dedicated to women leaving abusive relationships.
Resource Spotlight – A Survivor’s Guide to Public Speaking
This guide provides a basic overview of the issues that survivors face who wish to speak publicly about their experiences with intimate partner violence (IPV).
Research Rounds – Exploring Intimate Partner Violence Survivors’ Experiences with Group Art Therapy
Learn about how art group therapy can provide healing and empowerment to women survivors of intimate partner violence.
Resource Spotlight – Caring for Yourself
This free handout provided by The Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/ Domestic Violence Treatment Centres discusses ways to care for yourself if you have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV).
Resource Spotlight – Supporting a Loved One Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence
Take this free short course provided by PATHS to learn about how to help when you suspect a friend or loved one may be experiencing intimate partner violence.
Community & Engagement
Community Events You May Find Helpful
Workshops, groups, and community events support safer, more trauma- and violence-informed care. Explore upcoming offerings for mental health professionals from Mhaven and our partners.
Intro to Mhaven — A New Hub for Mental Health Support for Intimate Partner Violence
Are you a mental health professional? Join Mhaven and the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals to discuss the Mhaven hub and how you can get involved as a provider.
Contribute To Mhaven
How to Get Involved
From sharing feedback on this website to contributing to our story collection or participating in research, there are many ways to get involved. Mhaven welcomes your experiences and ideas to help shape safer, more responsive supports.
Share Your Story
Your lived experience with Intimate Partner Violence could inspire others to reach out for help. And sharing can support your own healing journey.
Participate in Research
Participation is voluntary, carefully guided by ethics and privacy safeguards, and you choose what, how, and how much to share.
Donate
Your donation helps people struggling right now and supports a future where no one should live in fear of violence.
