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
(AWCCA) (C137)
Program Details
- Program Code: C137
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: September
- Domestic Tuition: $3,890.00 * †
- International Tuition: $18,525.00 ** †
- Spring 2026 Delivery: Not Available
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Suspended | Suspended |
| Winter 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
| Spring 2026 | Not Available | Not Available |
- Work-Integrated Learning:
Field Placement
- PGWP Eligible: No
Get answers to your questions
Book info sessionProgram Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown Polytechnic has been 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) program will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence.
Full Description
The two-year Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (C137) 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. It will train you to be an agent for change in the work of community education, political action and law reform and will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.
Over four semesters, 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 also have the chance to practise your newly learned counselling skills off-site with one of our field placement partners. See 'Your Field Education Options' for details.
Vulnerable Sector Check
Please note that some of our student placement partners require you to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed before your field placement.
These Vulnerable Sector Checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
The fees for the Vulnerable Sector Checks vary and must be paid for 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 Vulnerable Sector Check, you may find that your choice of placements is limited.
Accelerated AWCCA program
If you have an existing diploma or degree and/or equivalent work experience, we offer a three-semester condensed version of this two-year program. Visit the AWCCA (Accelerated) (C147) program page for more details.
Your Field Education Options
Field education plays an important role in George Brown's AWCCA program by preparing you to work with those affected by gender-based violence. It includes those directly impacted, and the communities within which they live and work and often encompasses those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.
As a first year AWCCA student,you will take a class called Preparation for the Field, which includes introductory activities to the field, such as:
- interviewing staff during an agency visit
- conducting research to identify placement options that will meet your learning goals
- participating in professional development activities
- learning how programs and services are developed
As a second year AWCCA student, you will build on your learning by engaging in 400 hours of unpaid field placement. During these field experience hours you will participate in many of the following:
- supportive counselling
- group facilitation
- case management and advocacy
- intake and referrals
- special projects and events
- political advocacy
- professional development
- outreach and public education
- project design and delivery
- crisis intervention
Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for approximately 400 hours. Typical placement settings include emergency shelters, sexual assault and rape crisis centres, youth services, settlement agencies, health providers and other agencies that provide front-line support to survivors of gender-based violence.
Field placement agencies are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within the Greater Toronto Area with other locations in Ontario and across Canada providing students with placement opportunities.
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 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| COUN 1020 | Introduction to Feminist Counselling |
| WOMN 1034 | The Structure of Privilege and Oppression |
| WOMN 1035 | Integrative Seminar I |
| WOMN 1050 | Digital Technology: Violence & Justice Issues |
| WOMN 1079 | Introduction to Feminisms and Social Justice Movements |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 1011 | Gender-Based Violence |
| COUN 1014 | Group Process |
| GHUM 1082 | Disability Justice |
| WOMN 1037 | Integrative Seminar II |
| WOMN 1072 | Preparation for the Field |
| WOMN 1073 | Child and Youth I |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WOMN 1074 | Feminist Counselling and Advocacy |
| WOMN 1075 | Group Process II |
| WOMN 1083 | Children & Youth II |
| WOMN 2029 | Feminist Political Action I |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 2016 | Survivors of Sexual Violence |
| WOMN 2032 | Feminist Political Action II |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
| WOMN 2043 | Group Process III |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
*Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course.
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
$3,890.00 * †
International Tuition
$18,525.00 ** †
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.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
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
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- All applicants are required to attend an online information session to learn more about the AWCCA program. You can register for an information session by visiting C137 Info Session page. Please email awcca@georgebrown.ca if you cannot attend the online information session.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to complete a vulnerable sector check 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 police reference check may find that their choice of placement is limited. 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 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.
Bridging
Note: This program is undergoing curriculum review. Direct entry to Second-Year Option is closed for 2021–2022 academic year.
The AWCCA program has an individualized direct entry to Second-Year Option for eligible students who have undergraduate degrees or diplomas. Please visit the Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor Advocate Direct Entry to Second-Year Option page.
How to Apply
Domestic students 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
Email the Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program email: communityservices@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
George Brown Polytechnic has been 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) program will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling and advocacy for survivors of gender-based violence.
Full Description
The two-year Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (C137) 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. It will train you to be an agent for change in the work of community education, political action and law reform and will prepare you to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.
Over four semesters, 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 also have the chance to practise your newly learned counselling skills off-site with one of our field placement partners. See 'Your Field Education Options' for details.
Vulnerable Sector Check
Please note that some of our student placement partners require you to have a Vulnerable Sector Check completed before your field placement.
These Vulnerable Sector Checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law.
The fees for the Vulnerable Sector Checks vary and must be paid for 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 Vulnerable Sector Check, you may find that your choice of placements is limited.
Accelerated AWCCA program
If you have an existing diploma or degree and/or equivalent work experience, we offer a three-semester condensed version of this two-year program. Visit the AWCCA (Accelerated) (C147) program page for more details.
Your Field Education Options
Field education plays an important role in George Brown's AWCCA program by preparing you to work with those affected by gender-based violence. It includes those directly impacted, and the communities within which they live and work and often encompasses those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.
As a first year AWCCA student,you will take a class called Preparation for the Field, which includes introductory activities to the field, such as:
- interviewing staff during an agency visit
- conducting research to identify placement options that will meet your learning goals
- participating in professional development activities
- learning how programs and services are developed
As a second year AWCCA student, you will build on your learning by engaging in 400 hours of unpaid field placement. During these field experience hours you will participate in many of the following:
- supportive counselling
- group facilitation
- case management and advocacy
- intake and referrals
- special projects and events
- political advocacy
- professional development
- outreach and public education
- project design and delivery
- crisis intervention
Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for approximately 400 hours. Typical placement settings include emergency shelters, sexual assault and rape crisis centres, youth services, settlement agencies, health providers and other agencies that provide front-line support to survivors of gender-based violence.
Field placement agencies are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within the Greater Toronto Area with other locations in Ontario and across Canada providing students with placement opportunities.
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 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts* |
| COUN 1020 | Introduction to Feminist Counselling |
| WOMN 1034 | The Structure of Privilege and Oppression |
| WOMN 1035 | Integrative Seminar I |
| WOMN 1050 | Digital Technology: Violence & Justice Issues |
| WOMN 1079 | Introduction to Feminisms and Social Justice Movements |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 1011 | Gender-Based Violence |
| COUN 1014 | Group Process |
| GHUM 1082 | Disability Justice |
| WOMN 1037 | Integrative Seminar II |
| WOMN 1072 | Preparation for the Field |
| WOMN 1073 | Child and Youth I |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| WOMN 1074 | Feminist Counselling and Advocacy |
| WOMN 1075 | Group Process II |
| WOMN 1083 | Children & Youth II |
| WOMN 2029 | Feminist Political Action I |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 2016 | Survivors of Sexual Violence |
| WOMN 2032 | Feminist Political Action II |
| WOMN 2041 | Field Placement II |
| WOMN 2042 | Fieldwork Seminar II |
| WOMN 2043 | Group Process III |
| GNED | General Education Elective |
*Based on the results of your placement test, you may be required to take COMM 1000 Introduction to College Communication before progressing to COMM 2000. COMM 1000 does not count as a course required for graduation, and you will be charged for this extra course.
Course Outline URL
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$3,890.00 * †
International Tuition
$18,525.00 ** †
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.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Financial Assistance
This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.
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
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- grade 12 English (C or U)
- All applicants are required to attend an online information session to learn more about the AWCCA program. You can register for an information session by visiting C137 Info Session page. Please email awcca@georgebrown.ca if you cannot attend the online information session.
** Mature Student Status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature students may take the Admissions Assessment for English, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit the Transfer Guide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Special Requirements
Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to complete a vulnerable sector check 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 police reference check may find that their choice of placement is limited. 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 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.
Bridging
Note: This program is undergoing curriculum review. Direct entry to Second-Year Option is closed for 2021–2022 academic year.
The AWCCA program has an individualized direct entry to Second-Year Option for eligible students who have undergraduate degrees or diplomas. Please visit the Assaulted Women’s and Children’s Counsellor Advocate Direct Entry to Second-Year Option page.
How to Apply
Domestic students 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
Email the Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program email: communityservices@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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