Understanding the Many Forms of Violence Against Women

Violence against women is not always visible, but it is always harmful. At Nada Johnson Consulting & Counselling Services (NJCCS), we believe in naming and confronting all forms of gender-based violence to create space for healing, safety, and empowerment. Whether experienced as physical harm, emotional control, or systemic oppression, violence against women leaves lasting impacts on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Understanding the many forms it takes is a vital step in supporting survivors and creating a more just and compassionate world.

Beyond Physical Violence: The Many Faces of Harm

When we think of violence, physical injury often comes to mind. But the reality is far broader. Many women experience violence in less visible but equally devastating ways:

Sexual Assault and Coercion
Unwanted sexual contact, manipulation, or rape can shatter a woman’s sense of safety and self. It often leaves survivors feeling isolated, ashamed, or re-traumatized by the systems meant to protect them.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse
Gaslighting, threats, and verbal degradation wear away at a woman’s self-worth and agency, making it difficult to recognize her own truth or feel safe in her relationships.
Economic Abuse
Controlling a woman’s access to money, employment, or resources can trap her in abusive environments, stripping her of independence and choice.
Spiritual and Cultural Abuse
Using faith or tradition to shame, silence, or restrict women is a deeply harmful form of control that often goes unnamed.
Systemic Violence
Racial injustice, ableism, and poverty compound the impacts of gender-based violence. Marginalized women often face barriers in accessing safety, justice, or healing services.

Support that Honors the Whole Woman

At NJCCS, we offer holistic, trauma-informed support that recognizes each woman’s unique journey. Our services are grounded in deep compassion, cultural sensitivity, and evidence-based care.

Sexual Assault Therapy

We understand that the aftermath of sexual assault can be overwhelming and deeply personal. Through one-on-one counselling, clients work with Nada to navigate emotions, identify triggers, and co-create a healing plan. The goal is to help survivors feel whole again, and to affirm that it was never your fault.

Currently accepting virtual clients across Ontario.📧 info@nadajohnsonservices.com

Counselling for Women Impacted by Violence

We provide individualized support for women healing from:

Intimate partner violence
Childhood or intergenerational trauma
Emotional and systemic abuse
Involvement with the criminal justice system (as survivors or those charged)

Counselling focuses on rebuilding self-worth, navigating grief and anxiety, setting healthy boundaries, and accessing practical resources with dignity and care.

Support Groups for Women

Healing can be amplified in a community. We offer:

Weekly Therapist-Led Groups: Guided sessions with shared experiences, coping tools, and emotional validation.
Monthly Peer Circles: Community-based spaces with mindfulness, journaling, and open sharing

Justice, Healing, and Advocacy

Some women are forced into the criminal justice system as a result of surviving violence. Others are charged after defending themselves in harmful environments. At NJCCS, we offer nonjudgmental, trauma-informed support including:

Court support and legal system navigation
Counselling during trials or legal processes
Psychoeducation and coping strategies
Court-ordered or voluntary sessions for women charged due to trauma-related actions

We believe in second chances, and in a justice system that makes space for healing.

Research & Advocacy for Systemic Change

At NJCCS, we don’t just provide care, we work to transform the systems around it. Our research services amplify the lived experiences of marginalized women and offer actionable insights to improve service delivery, equity, and mental health outcomes.

We partner with community organizations, academic institutions, and government bodies on:

Gender-based violence studies
Culturally responsive care models
Survivor-informed policy recommendations
Community needs assessments

📧 Interested in collaboration? info@nadajohnsonservices.com

Healing is Possible. Support is Here.

Every woman’s story matters. Whether you’re navigating the aftermath of violence, seeking a safe space to heal, or advocating for others, you don’t have to do it alone. At NJCCS, we walk with you every step of the way.

💙 You are not broken. You are reclaiming your power. 💙