Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program
(AWCCA)
(C137)

2019-20202020-2021
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Overview

Leadership Claims

Preparing graduates to work as Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocates for 30 years.

This program is unique in Canada.

Program Overview

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist, anti-racist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence. It trains students to be agents for change in their work in community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling and advocacy for self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Full Description

Note: This program is undergoing curriculum review and development. Please note there will be changes in the 2020-2021 course offerings.

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students 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 trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Note: Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference 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 reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placements is limited.

Your Field Education Options

Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing students to work with those affected by gender-based violence, including not only those directly impacted, but the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.

In year one, students will take a class called Preparation for the Field, which will include introductory activities to the field, such as interviewing staff during an agency visit, conducting research, participating in fundraising and special events, and learning about how programs and services are developed. Students will assess their skills and identify options for a placement in the second year that will give them experience in providing front-line services and responding to systemic issues.

In second year, students will build on that experience by engaging in more direct one-on-one survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management and advocacy. Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for a minimum of 500 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies who provide front-line support.

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
  2. Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
  3. Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
  4. Facilitate groups for women and children.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
  6. Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
  7. Develop and deliver prevention programs.
  8. Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
  9. Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
  10. Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

Code Course Name
GSSC 1107 Feminism and Social Justice Movements
COUN 1020 Introduction to Feminist Counselling
COMM 1007 College English
WOMN 1034 The Structure of Privilege and Oppression
WOMN 1035 Integrative Seminar I
WOMN 1048 Digital Technology: Violence & Justice Issues

SEMESTER 2

Code Course Name
COUN 1011 Gender-Based Violence
COUN 1014 Group Process
WOMN 1073 Child and Youth Development
WOMN 1072 Preparation for the Field
WOMN 1037 Integrative Seminar II
WOMN 1071 Disability Justice
GNED General Education Elective

SEMESTER 3

Code Course Name
COUN 2014 Survivors of Sexual Violence I
COUN 1013 Feminist Counselling & Advocacy
COUN 2015 Group Process II
COUN 2026 Children & Youth Experiencing Violence
WOMN 2029 Feminist Political Action I
WOMN 2042 Fieldwork Seminar II
WOMN 2041 Field Placement II
WOMN 2030 Integrative Seminar III

SEMESTER 4

Code Course Name
COUN 2016 Survivors of Sexual Violence II
COUN 2017 Group Process III
WOMN 2032 Feminist Political Action II
WOMN 2042 Fieldwork Seminar II
WOMN 2041 Field Placement II
WOMN 2033 Integrative Seminar IV
GNED General Education Elective
Detailed course outlines

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

AWCCA graduates work in a variety of settings, including women’s transition and interval houses, rape crisis centres, women’s health centres, settlement services, community centres and victim/witness programs.

Educational Pathways

Graduates may apply for fast-track entry (reduced time) in the following related George Brown College programs

See Transfer Guide.

Future Study Options

Graduates of the AWCCA program are eligible to apply for advanced standing in degree programs at:

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$3,914.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2020. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2021 and at later dates.

The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student.

Financial Assistance

This program is approved for OSAP funding, provided the applicant meets OSAP eligibility criteria.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

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. 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. During the online information session you will learn more about the AWCCA program and receive a short digital questionnaire to be completed and returned via email within three days of your session. Information about where and how to return the questionnaire will be provided at the 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 Transfer Guide for more information.

Special Requirements

Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference 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.

Bridging

Note: This program is undergoing curriculum review. Direct Entry to Second Year Option is closed for 2020-2021 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.

Student Success

Stacey Johnson
Lindsay McAllister
Jennifer Leworthy

"Prior to discovering the AWCCA program, I knew that I wanted to gain more hands-on experience working with women and as a counsellor. I was excited to learn it was based in feminist analysis with an Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression lens. I learned so much about myself, my own privilege and oppression as well as how I can be an ally. I am now working the job of my dreams, managing a culturally sensitive women’s shelter for Indigenous and all women in Northern Ontario. From that perspective, I can also say that I look for women who have graduated from this program to work in the field of ending violence against women, over others who graduated from the SSW program. Courses like Survivors of Sexual Violence, Feminist Counselling, Working with Abused Women and Child Witness really set this program apart from others designed to lead to work in this field. The experience I gained via my student placements made me employable straight out of school. This course literally changed my life, personally and professionally; I know it will do the same for future graduates.”

“I entered this program not knowing what to expect, but knowing what I wanted to learn from it and do when I graduated. The incredibly knowledgeable and supportive program faculty prepared me beyond my expectations. I now have the job of my dreams and I am confident in my skills as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor at a shelter for abused women and their children. There is never a day that I don’t look forward to going to work. I have the program and the teachers to thank for this!”

Contact Us

Call the Assaulted Women’s and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 2323 or email awcca@georgebrown.ca.

Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program Coordinator

Anna Willats: 416-415-5000, ext. 3643

Email: awillats@georgebrown.ca

For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

Visit Our Campus

Book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program (C137)

2019-20202020-2021
Print ProgramBook a Campus Tour

Compare up to 3 programs

Add to ComparisonOpen Comparison

Overview

This program previously used the code R107.

Leadership Claims

Preparing graduates to work as Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocates for 30 years.

This program is unique in Canada.

Program Overview

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence. It trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling and advocacy for self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Full Description

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist 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 trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Note: Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference 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 reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placements is limited.

Your Field Education Options

Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing students to work with those affected by gender-based violence including not only those directly impacted, but the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.

In year one, students will spend 250 hours with a non-profit community partner (Mondays and Tuesdays, January – April) and will typically engage in introductory activities, such as shadowing staff, conducting outreach, fundraising and special events, and learning about how programs and services are developed. First year placements vary and can include sites that focus on public education, food banks, drop-ins and political action work, but are generally not frontline positions.

In second year, students will build on that experience by engaging in more direct 1-to-1 survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management, and advocacy. Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for a minimum of 500 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies who provide frontline support.

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. Catherines, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Pickering and Oshawa, provide students who live in those communities with placement opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
  2. Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
  3. Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
  4. Facilitate groups for women and children.
  5. Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
  6. Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
  7. Develop and deliver prevention programs.
  8. Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
  9. Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
  10. Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.

Courses

Required Courses

SEMESTER 1

semester courses
Code Course Name
GSSC1107 Introduction to Feminism
COUN1020 Introduction to Feminist Counselling
COUN1014 Group Process I
COMM1007 College English
PSY1054 Child and Youth Development
WOMN1034 Gender, Race and Class: The Structure of Privilege and Oppression
WOMN1035 Integrative Seminar I
WOMN1048 Digital Technology for Classroom and Community

SEMESTER 2

semester courses
Code Course Name
COUN1011 Gender Based Violence I
COUN1026 Child Witness
COMM1034 Professional Communications I
GSSC1023 Psychology of Women
WOMN1014 Fieldwork Seminar I
WOMN1037 Integrative Seminar II
WOMN1016 Field Placement I
GNED General Education Elective

SEMESTER 3

semester courses
Code Course Name
COUN2014 Survivors of Sexual Violence I
COUN1013 Gender Based Violence II
WOMN2029 Feminist Political Action and Community Development I
COUN2015 Group Process II
WOMN2042 Fieldwork Seminar II
WOMN2041 Field Placement II
WOMN2030 Integrative Seminar III

SEMESTER 4

semester courses
Code Course Name
COUN2013 Children Experiencing Violence
COUN2016 Survivors of Sexual Violence II
WOMN2032 Feminist Political Action and Community Development II
COUN2017 Group Process III
WOMN2042 Fieldwork Seminar II
WOMN2041 Field Placement II
WOMN2033 Integrative Seminar IV
GNED General Education Elective

Detailed course outlines

Detailed course outlines

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

Graduates work in a variety of settings, including women’s transition and interval houses, rape crisis centres, women’s health centres, settlement services, community centres and victim/witness programs.

Future Study Options

Graduates are eligible to apply for advanced standing in degree programs at York University in Toronto; Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia; Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C.; Athabasca University (online) and the University of Victoria in the B.A. Health and Community in the School of Public Health and Social Policy. Graduates may apply for fast track entry in a related George Brown College program in a reduced time in Social Service Worker, Child and Youth Care or Community Worker programs). See georgebrown.ca/transferguide.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition

$4,029.00 *

Additional Costs

* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.

The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student.

International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying George Brown College fee requirements.

How to Qualify and Apply

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)
  • Mandatory information session
  • Questionnaire

** 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.

Special Requirements

Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference 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.

Bridging

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

Apply To

Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges

Student Success

Stacey Johnson
Lindsay McAllister
Jennifer Leworthy

"Prior to discovering the AWCCA program, I knew that I wanted to gain more hands-on experience working with women and as a counsellor. I was excited to learn it was based in feminist analysis with an Anti-Racism/Anti-Oppression lens. I learned so much about myself, my own privilege and oppression as well as how I can be an ally. I am now working the job of my dreams, managing a culturally sensitive women’s shelter for Indigenous and all women in Northern Ontario. From that perspective, I can also say that I look for women who have graduated from this program to work in the field of ending violence against women, over others who graduated from the SSW program. Courses like Survivors of Sexual Violence, Feminist Counselling, Working with Abused Women and Child Witness really set this program apart from others designed to lead to work in this field. The experience I gained via my student placements made me employable straight out of school. This course literally changed my life, personally and professionally; I know it will do the same for future graduates.”

“I entered this program not knowing what to expect, but knowing what I wanted to learn from it and do when I graduated. The incredibly knowledgeable and supportive program faculty prepared me beyond my expectations. I now have the job of my dreams and I am confident in my skills as a Crisis Intervention Counsellor at a shelter for abused women and their children. There is never a day that I don’t look forward to going to work. I have the program and the teachers to thank for this!”

Contact Us

Call the Assaulted Women’s and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program office at 416-415-5000, ext. 6834 or email awcca@georgebrown.ca.

For more information about George Brown College, call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.

Visit Our Campus

Book a campus tour or explore our virtual tour.

Sign up and learn more about your options, our programs, and life at George Brown.

Explore related programs:
Community Worker (C101)
Social Service Worker (C119)
Social Service Worker (C135)