SHELTER FROM FAMILY VIOLENCE
Keeping Women and Children Safe
If you are experiencing any type of violence (physical, sexual, mental, Elder, emotional, other) and are looking for help, contact us. Whether you need a safe place to stay, an Emergency Protection Order, help making a safety plan or someone to talk to, we're here to help.
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24/7 crisis line: 1-866-223-7775
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The YWCA legal advice program is for people who have experienced physical or sexual violence. Please email ILAR@ywcanwt.ca or call (867) 765-8670.
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Are you experiencing abuse and need help or support? Call our 24 Hour Crisis Line 1 (866) 223-7775
ALISON MCATEER HOUSE
Family Violence Shelter, Yellowknife, NT
Alison McAteer House It is a secure and anonymous place for women to receive support while they are fleeing violence. Children can live here with their mothers. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our shelter has six bedrooms with a capacity of 12 beds. Our trained staff will provide you with help to determine your options, empathy and emotional support, as well as hope for a better future.
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Women from across the Northwest Territories and Nunavut can call us so we can assess your situation, help get you to a safe place and make a safety plan no matter where you live.
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Crisis line, Yellowknife: (867) 873-8257
Toll-free: 1-866-223-7775
About Alison McAteer
1918-1976
Namesake of Alison McAteer Family Violence Shelter
Alison McAteer came to Yellowknife in the 1950's. She was an active and committed community member and was president of the YWCA and also chair of the Government Relationships Committee (1969 - 1973). With her YWCA work, Alison was very involved in research and promotion of women's issues as they related to the law and government policies. One example is a report she submitted to the YWCA Board in 1973, addressing issues such as the development of a Women's Desk in the Territorial Secretariat, the elimination of discrimination based on sex and marital status in employment, unions and accommodation and community property in marriage.
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Alison also highlighted the need for programs and facilities such as a shelter for women who had experienced spousal assault. In 1970, Alison presented several briefs to the Royal Commission on the Status of Women. Alison continued her advocacy on these and many other issues related to women.
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Alison McAteer served on Yellowknife city council from 1972-1976. She carried special interests in women's rights and development into her work on council. She also took an interest in many other issues that were of concern to residents. She was well respected for her dedication to the community and her work on council.
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In 1973, Alison founded the NWT Status of Women Action Committee. This group became an important force in the development of changes in legislation that would affect women. Her championed the development of legislation by the Government of the Northwest Territories to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex or marital status. She also organized financial support for the first woman who successfully appealed to the court on the basis of that legislation.