About Us

At Alternatives for Women we provide Second Stage Housing and non-judgmental, supportive counselling from a feminist perspective. We advocate on behalf of women and children and we provide public education about the issues that concern women who have experienced domestic violence. All of our counselling services are free and confidential.

Our Services and Programs

AFW aims to end gender-based violence through support, advocacy, public education, and the empowerment of women.
Services offered by AFW include:
  • 24 hour crisis support
  • Free and confidential counselling
  • Transportation to emergency shelter
  • Safety planning
  • Group counselling
  • Outreach counselling

  • Transitional housing (Kiosan)
  • Public education
  • Referrals and resources
  • Advocacy and accompaniment
  • Caring Dads

Did you know?

Woman holding a megaphone
Prince Edward County
  • 323 domestic violence investigations in 2025, a rise from 223 cases in 2024
  • AFW provides services to over 100 women a year
  • AFW provided transitional housing to 16 women and 16 children within the last year
Provincial
  • 43 femicides occurred in Ontario from 2024-20251
  • Report of intimate partner violence have increased by 18.1% in Ontario
National
  • Every 6 days a woman is killed due to intimate partner violence
  • Every 2 days, a woman or girl is killed for affirming independence over their lives or bodies
  • Rural women are 75% more likely to experience intimate partner violence
  1. Femicide is referred to by the United Nations as the most extreme form of violence and discrimination against women and girls. Its definition varies across disciplines and world regions, but broadly captures the killing of females, primarily by men, because they are female. (https://femicideincanada.ca/what-is-femicide/) ↩︎

Meet our Board of Directors

Valerie Blower
Interim Executive Director

Emily Cowan
Chair

I decided to join the AFW Board to help address domestic violence and support women and families in my community. I work for the municipality and have an interest in policy and advocacy.

Gillian White
Treasurer

Driven by a desire to advocate, raise awareness in the community, and support women and children, I joined the Alternatives for Women Board. When I am not busy working in the Financial Services sector, you can find me enjoying my garden and walking my dog on my property in Prince Edward County.

Dee Hazel
Committee Chair

I have a background in healthcare and caring in general. I volunteer with AFW because it makes my world bigger.

Lynne Godfroy
Director

I am a past Director of Business Development and Head of Client Relations for Canada’s largest entertainment insurance specialist, a highly regarded executive and entrepreneur known for innovative leadership and strategic development. My work with women in animation in India and other international entrepreneurial initiatives gained me recognition as an ‘Entrepreneur of Note’ from the UN. It has been my great pleasure to support women’s growth wherever possible, believing that strength comes from understanding. I am honoured to assist AFW as a board director.

Erin Richmond
Director

I am passionate about advocating for the rights and safety of all women and children. I joined the Alternatives for Women board to be involved in and support efforts to eliminate domestic violence in our community. I am a former secondary school teacher, and currently work in landscaping and psychotherapy. I believe this organization is imperative to the safety and healing of women who are affected by domestic violence in our community.

You are not alone.
You deserve to be safe.

Our Confidential Crisis Line is available every day, 24 hours a day

Tell someone you trust, document what happened, and seek medical attention for any injuries.

Call 24/7 Crisis Line Reach Out for Help