Text and web support for women experiencing abuse and homelessness
Available 24/7
Text Inasmuch is a secure text and web-based service for women in Hamilton experiencing homelessness and abuse. Our client advocates provide emotional support, practical advice and referrals.
Your conversations with our client advocates are confidential and secure.
We can help you:
- Talk about how you’re feeling
- Create a safety plan to reduce your risk of harm
- Get you the services you need for support
- Cope with your situation during this period of physical distancing
You are not alone. We are here to help.
How it Works
Our trained client advocates will give you support, information, resources and safety planning ideas. You can reach us via SMS text message or web chat. We’ll connect you to a trained client advocate.
Chat online
This is the safest way to talk to us. You’ll need a device with wifi (including your smart phone) or an internet connection to use the chat service.
Click the chat online now button if you need us. A chat window will open, and we’ll connect you to a trained client advocate. You can end the conversation at any time. Once it’s done, your chat history will be erased.
Text us
You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use Text Inasmuch on your cell phone.
For your safety, be sure to delete your text history once you’re done texting with us.
When you connect with us, the first few messages you receive from us will be automated. These will give you more information about the service and our confidentiality policy.
What you should know
Text Inasmuch is designed to keep you safe. However, nothing is 100% secure. When you contact us, please make sure you’re using a device that is safe.
Some tips to stay safe online:
- Use a password on your phone or device
- Delete your text history after texting us
- Don’t take screenshots
- If you think someone else could have installed spyware onto the device you’re using, you may not want to use this service.
Inasmuch House operates out of an anti-racist, anti-oppressive, intersectional feminist framework which is trauma-informed and client-centred.
Stay safe and cope
For many, this challenging period of physical distancing means a rise in intimate partner or family violence and domestic abuse. This might mean verbal abuse, emotional abuse, physical or sexual violence. So how can you stay safe at home or cope with your situation?
Here are some helpful resources:
- Safety planning during COVID-19.
- How to use mindfulness to cope with trauma.
- How to practice being mindful.
- Domestic Abusers Can Control Your Devices. Here’s How to Fight Back.
Times like this call for us to take care of each other.
We’re here for you. Reach out if you need support.
You can still reach our 24-hour crisis line by calling 905.529.8600
COVID-19 services
Do you feel alone and unsafe during this period of physical distancing?
Are you dealing with physical, emotional, sexual, or other kinds of abuse at home?
Reach out for help now.
Learn about where you can access support in Hamilton during the pandemic, including telephone support and walk-in services. In-person options are limited at this time, so be sure to consult this list before you go.
If you’re in immediate danger, please call 911.
Special thanks to Crime Prevention Ottawa and the Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women for their leadership and communications materials to launch this project.