A MIND FORWARD PROGRAM FOR HALTON REGION

Pathways to Safety

Supporting survivors. Recognizing brain injury. Building pathways to healing.

ASK ABOUT SUPPORT FOR SERVICE PROVIDERS

Free Support

Adults 18+

Halton Region

In-Person and Virtual

UNDERSTANDING THE CONNECTION

When violence
causes an invisible
injury

Brain injuries resulting from intimate partner violence (IPV) or gender-based violence (GBV) often go unrecognized or undiagnosed. Physical violence, including blows to the head, repeated assaults, and strangulation, can cause brain injuries that may affect a survivor’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being.

Symptoms can overlap with the effects of psychological trauma, making brain injuries difficult to identify.

Through Pathways to Safety, Mind Forward works to bridge this gap by increasing awareness, recognizing potential signs of brain injury, and connecting survivors with specialized education, individualized support, and appropriate community resources.

Survivors may experience symptoms such as:

Memory, concentration and decision-making difficulties
Persistent headaches, dizziness, and fatigue
Changes in mood and emotional regulation
Sleep disturbances
Challenges managing everyday activities
Sensitivity to light and noise

SUPPORT SHAPED AROUND YOU

How can we help?

We begin by listening. Together, we can identify priorities and consider practical next steps at a pace that feels manageable.

Needs
Assessment

Talk through your strengths, goals, daily challenges and support needs.

Brain Injury Education & Awareness

Learn about possible effects of brain injury and strategies for everyday activities.

Individualized Support & Service Planning

Explore practical goals that support safety, independence, and wellbeing.

Community Navigation & Referrals

Connect with healthcare, counselling, housing and community services.

With your consent, the team may use the HELPS brain injury screening tool. Screening is not a diagnosis.

IS THIS PROGRAM FOR YOU?

Who can access Pathways to Safety?

You may be eligible if you meet these criteria:

You live in the Halton Region (Burlington, Halton Hills, Milton or Oakville)
You have experienced IPV or GBV and have, or think you may have, a brain injury or concussion
You are open to exploring goals related to safety, stability or connecting with services
You are 18 or older

What happens next?

Taking the first step toward accessing support can feel overwhelming. At Mind Forward, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where survivors feel heard, respected, and empowered.

STEP 1

Connect with us

Ask a question or make an inquiry. You do not need to share more than what feels safe.

STEP 2

Talk through your needs

We’ll discuss eligibility and complete an individualized needs assessment to better understand your experiences, challenges, goals, and support needs.

STEP 3

Explore support

Together, we’ll consider education, individualized support and referrals based on assessment outcomes.

Your safety, privacy, and choices are important to us. We handle inquires with care and respect and manage personal information in line with Mind Forward privacy practices.

ASK ABOUT SUPPORT

OR CALL 905-949-4411 EXT. 229

WORKING TOGETHER

For community partners & service providers

Frontline workers can help make brain injury easier to recognize and support easier to access. Pathways to Safety offers education, consultation and knowledge sharing for organizations working with survivors.

Sessions can help teams understand the connection between violence and brain injury, consider screening resources such as the HELPS Brain Injury Screening Tool, and strengthen referral pathways.

REQUEST AN EDUCATIONAL SESSION

Let’s build
a more connected
response.

Recognize possible signs of brain injury
Adapt communication and support
Strengthen coordinated referrals
Connect survivors with appropriate resources

A short request form can collect your name, email, organization and reason for the request.

EXPLORE TRUSTED RESOURCES

Learn more about brain injury and violence

Healthcare professionals, social service providers, and community organizations play an important role in recognizing potential brain injuries among survivors of IPV and GBV. Pathways to Safety is committed to strengthening community knowledge, promoting brain injury-informed practices, and supporting coordinated pathways to care.