George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/ Advocate
(C147)
Program Details
- Program Code: C147
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Duration: 5 weeks, 8 months (3 semesters) full-time
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: May
- Domestic Tuition: $4,964.00*†
- International Tuition: $23,675.00**†
- Spring 2026 Delivery: Not Available
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Winter 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2026 | Suspended | Suspended |
- Work-Integrated Learning:
Field Placement
- PGWP Eligible: No
Get answers to your questions
Book info sessionProgram Description
Leadership Claims
Preparing graduates to work as Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocates for over 30 years.
This program is unique in Canada.
Program Overview
The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (Accelerated) program will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence.
Apply to this accelerated program stream if you have an existing diploma or degree and work/volunteer experience in feminist organizations and programs and are interested in accelerating your career as a counsellor/advocate for survivors of gender-based violence.
To begin your studies in May 20206, apply to the 2025/26 intake for this program. To start this program in May 2025, apply to the 2024/25 intake.
Full Description
The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (Accelerated) (C147) diploma program will provide you with a feminist, anti-racist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence experienced primarily by self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors.
This three-semester program is a condensed version of the two-year Assaulted Women's and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate (C137) program. It will provide you with a foundation to be an agent for change in community education, political action, and law reform. It will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.
You will study the range of issues that impact and contribute to gender-based violence, such as social justice movements, privilege and oppression, violence in the digital world and more. You will have the chance to practise your newly learned counselling skills offsite with one of our field placement partners. See 'Your Field Education Options' for details.
To qualify for this three-semester, accelerated program, you must have an existing diploma or degree and work/volunteer experience in feminist organizations and programs and should be interested in working as a counsellor/advocate for survivors of gender-based violence.
Your Field Education Options
Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing you to work with those affected by gender-based violence, including the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.
As a student in this accelerated program stream, you will begin your field placement in the Fall semester. You can expect to engage in front-line services such as one-on-one survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management and advocacy. Your placement experience will begin in September and continue through to the end of April for approximately 400 hours. Typical field placement settings include emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies that provide front-line support to survivors of gender-based violence.
The agencies used by the program for field placements are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies, located in other communities such as Brampton, St. Catharines, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Pickering and Oshawa, provide students who live in those communities with placement opportunities.
Note: Some of our student placement partners require you to have a vulnerable sector screening completed before your field placement in semesters 3 and 4 of the program. These screenings can take up to four months to be processed, and are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and are, in most cases, paid by you. You are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” If you are unable to provide a clear screening, you will be assisted in finding a placement that meets your learning needs.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Upon graduation from the AWCCA program you may apply for accelerated entry in the following related George Brown Polytechnic programs:
- Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135)
- Child and Youth Care (Accelerated) (C153)
- Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131)
- Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C130)
See Transfer Guide.
If when you graduate from the AWCCA program you decide to pursue a degree, you may be eligible to apply for advanced standing in degree programs such as:
- Justice Studies B.A. at Royal Roads University
- Professional Communications B.A. at Royal Roads University
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at Trent University
You can also apply to programs such as Women and Gender Studies, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Studies and other programs at universities such as York University, Toronto Metropolitan University (Social Work programs, Disability Studies), Athabasca University and the University of Victoria.
Please note that you must adhere to any program-specific and institutional requirements of the universities to which you apply. It is your responsibility to check the minimum GPA and other program specific admission requirements to determine if you are eligible to apply.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WOMN 1068 | Introduction to Feminist Counselling |
| WOMN 1069 | Group Process 1 |
| WOMN 1076 | Child and Youth 1 |
| WOMN 1077 | Preparation for the Field |
| WOMN 1078 | Critical Issues in Disability |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WOMN 1074 | Feminist Counselling & Advocacy |
| WOMN 1075 | Group Process II |
| WOMN 1083 | Child and Youth II |
| WOMN 2029 | Feminist Political Action I |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Field Work Seminar II |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 2016 | Survivors of Sexual Violence |
| WOMN 2032 | Feminist Political Action II |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Field Work Seminar II |
| WOMN 2043 | Group Process III |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Course Outline URL
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
- Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
- Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
- Facilitate groups for women and children.
- Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
- Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
- Develop and deliver prevention programs.
- Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
- Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
- Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,964.00*†
International Tuition
$23,675.00**†
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† The fees for the reference checks vary and are not included in the tuition. They are to be paid separately by the student.
‡May semester (bridging) fees are approximately; $1,050.00 Domestic, $5,100.00 International. These fees are not included in the tuition above and are subject to change. They are to be paid separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding (for semesters 3 and 4), provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Note: Semester 2 (May–June) is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Diploma or Bachelor's Degree – Applicants must have a diploma or degree related to the field of human services and social/community work, equity studies. Applicants who have not completed a relevant diploma or degree may also use paid or volunteer work experience with feminist organizations and programs to establish required equivalency (see documentation required below).
Required documents:
- Official transcripts and proof of credential required.
- Endorsement, resumé, and references required by applicants who are applying based on a non-related credential and paid/unpaid work experience.
- Special portfolio that demonstrates equivalence in understanding and application of theory and knowledge in two areas: Feminism and Social Justice Movements, and socio-economic and political Structures of Privilege and Oppression
All applicants to the AWCCA Accelerated Program are asked to attend an information session. Contact awcca@georgebrown.ca to find out when information sessions are scheduled.
Can’t attend a live information session? Contact awcca@georgebrown.ca for more information.
** Please note that successful completion of the five-week program in May is required prior to entrance to the Fall semester.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Criminal Record Check Process
Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a vulnerable sector check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take several weeks, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
Students without a clear vulnerable sector check may find that their choice of placement is limited, but will be assisted to find a placement. Students in this situation are encouraged to work with the field education coordinator to identify placement opportunities that do not require the vulnerable sector check. Students are also encouraged to inquire and apply for Suppression and Destruction of Record or Record Suspension (formerly known as Pardon) at their specific regional police services to prepare for their future careers or employment. For more information, please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic applicants should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
Call the Assaulted Women’s and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 3643 or email awcca@georgebrown.ca
Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program Co-ordinator
Tanisha Sri Bhaggiyadatta
Email: tanisha.sribhaggiyadatta@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.
Program Description
Leadership Claims
Preparing graduates to work as Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocates for over 30 years.
This program is unique in Canada.
Program Overview
The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (Accelerated) program will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence.
Apply to this accelerated program stream if you have an existing diploma or degree and work/volunteer experience in feminist organizations and programs and are interested in accelerating your career as a counsellor/advocate for survivors of gender-based violence.
To begin your studies in May 20206, apply to the 2025/26 intake for this program. To start this program in May 2025, apply to the 2024/25 intake.
Full Description
The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (Accelerated) (C147) diploma program will provide you with a feminist, anti-racist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence experienced primarily by self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors.
This three-semester program is a condensed version of the two-year Assaulted Women's and Children’s Counsellor/Advocate (C137) program. It will provide you with a foundation to be an agent for change in community education, political action, and law reform. It will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.
You will study the range of issues that impact and contribute to gender-based violence, such as social justice movements, privilege and oppression, violence in the digital world and more. You will have the chance to practise your newly learned counselling skills offsite with one of our field placement partners. See 'Your Field Education Options' for details.
To qualify for this three-semester, accelerated program, you must have an existing diploma or degree and work/volunteer experience in feminist organizations and programs and should be interested in working as a counsellor/advocate for survivors of gender-based violence.
Your Field Education Options
Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing you to work with those affected by gender-based violence, including the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.
As a student in this accelerated program stream, you will begin your field placement in the Fall semester. You can expect to engage in front-line services such as one-on-one survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management and advocacy. Your placement experience will begin in September and continue through to the end of April for approximately 400 hours. Typical field placement settings include emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies that provide front-line support to survivors of gender-based violence.
The agencies used by the program for field placements are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies, located in other communities such as Brampton, St. Catharines, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Pickering and Oshawa, provide students who live in those communities with placement opportunities.
Note: Some of our student placement partners require you to have a vulnerable sector screening completed before your field placement in semesters 3 and 4 of the program. These screenings can take up to four months to be processed, and are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and are, in most cases, paid by you. You are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” If you are unable to provide a clear screening, you will be assisted in finding a placement that meets your learning needs.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
Upon graduation from the AWCCA program you may apply for accelerated entry in the following related George Brown Polytechnic programs:
- Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135)
- Child and Youth Care (Accelerated) (C153)
- Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131)
- Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C130)
See Transfer Guide.
If when you graduate from the AWCCA program you decide to pursue a degree, you may be eligible to apply for advanced standing in degree programs such as:
- Justice Studies B.A. at Royal Roads University
- Professional Communications B.A. at Royal Roads University
- Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at Trent University
You can also apply to programs such as Women and Gender Studies, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Studies and other programs at universities such as York University, Toronto Metropolitan University (Social Work programs, Disability Studies), Athabasca University and the University of Victoria.
Please note that you must adhere to any program-specific and institutional requirements of the universities to which you apply. It is your responsibility to check the minimum GPA and other program specific admission requirements to determine if you are eligible to apply.
Alumni Impact
We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.
Courses
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WOMN 1068 | Introduction to Feminist Counselling |
| WOMN 1069 | Group Process 1 |
| WOMN 1076 | Child and Youth 1 |
| WOMN 1077 | Preparation for the Field |
| WOMN 1078 | Critical Issues in Disability |
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WOMN 1074 | Feminist Counselling & Advocacy |
| WOMN 1075 | Group Process II |
| WOMN 1083 | Child and Youth II |
| WOMN 2029 | Feminist Political Action I |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Field Work Seminar II |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 2016 | Survivors of Sexual Violence |
| WOMN 2032 | Feminist Political Action II |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Field Work Seminar II |
| WOMN 2043 | Group Process III |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Course Outline URL
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,964.00*†
International Tuition
$23,675.00**†
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2024. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2025 and at later dates. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
** Amounts listed are the estimated total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2025. Tuition fees are subject to board approval. Material, student service and ancillary fees are estimated based on prior years. All fees are subject to change without notice. This fee does not include books, which are to be purchased by the student separately.
† The fees for the reference checks vary and are not included in the tuition. They are to be paid separately by the student.
‡May semester (bridging) fees are approximately; $1,050.00 Domestic, $5,100.00 International. These fees are not included in the tuition above and are subject to change. They are to be paid separately.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding (for semesters 3 and 4), provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
Note: Semester 2 (May–June) is not eligible for OSAP funding.
Each year we award over $2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries to first-year students. Check out our financial aid web pages for ways to pay for college and the full list of available scholarships, awards and bursaries.
Admission Requirements
Diploma or Bachelor's Degree – Applicants must have a diploma or degree related to the field of human services and social/community work, equity studies. Applicants who have not completed a relevant diploma or degree may also use paid or volunteer work experience with feminist organizations and programs to establish required equivalency (see documentation required below).
Required documents:
- Official transcripts and proof of credential required.
- Endorsement, resumé, and references required by applicants who are applying based on a non-related credential and paid/unpaid work experience.
- Special portfolio that demonstrates equivalence in understanding and application of theory and knowledge in two areas: Feminism and Social Justice Movements, and socio-economic and political Structures of Privilege and Oppression
All applicants to the AWCCA Accelerated Program are asked to attend an information session. Contact awcca@georgebrown.ca to find out when information sessions are scheduled.
Can’t attend a live information session? Contact awcca@georgebrown.ca for more information.
** Please note that successful completion of the five-week program in May is required prior to entrance to the Fall semester.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Criminal Record Check Process
Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a vulnerable sector check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take several weeks, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
Students without a clear vulnerable sector check may find that their choice of placement is limited, but will be assisted to find a placement. Students in this situation are encouraged to work with the field education coordinator to identify placement opportunities that do not require the vulnerable sector check. Students are also encouraged to inquire and apply for Suppression and Destruction of Record or Record Suspension (formerly known as Pardon) at their specific regional police services to prepare for their future careers or employment. For more information, please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website.
How to Apply
Domestic applicants should apply through Ontario Colleges.
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
- Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
- Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
- Facilitate groups for women and children.
- Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
- Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
- Develop and deliver prevention programs.
- Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
- Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
- Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.
Contact Us
Call the Assaulted Women’s and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 3643 or email awcca@georgebrown.ca
Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program Co-ordinator
Tanisha Sri Bhaggiyadatta
Email: tanisha.sribhaggiyadatta@georgebrown.ca
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.
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