Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program (AWCCA) (C137)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown College 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 practice your newly learned counselling skills offsite 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 students 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.
In year one, AWCCA students 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 their learning goals
- participating in professional development activities
- learning about how programs and services are developed
In the second year, AWCCA students will build on their learning by engaging in 400-hours of unpaid field placement, where they 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. Students will often do this placement at 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
AWCCA graduates may apply for accelerated entry in the following related George Brown College programs:
- Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135)
- Child and Youth Care (Accelerated) (C153)
- Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131)
- Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C130)
See Transfer Guide.
Graduates of the AWCCA program are also 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
AWCCA graduates can also apply to Women and Gender Studies, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Studies, and other programs at several universities such as York University, Toronto Metropolitan University (Social Work programs, Disability Studies), Athabasca University, and the University of Victoria.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 1020 | Introduction to Feminist Counselling |
| WOMN 1079 | Introduction to Feminisms and Social Justice Movements |
| WOMN 1034 | The Structure of Privilege and Oppression |
| WOMN 1035 | Integrative Seminar I |
| WOMN 1050 | Digital Technology: Violence & Justice Issues |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
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 |
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
International Tuition
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 2024 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 2024. 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.
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.
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 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 College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Email the Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program email: communityservices@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College Contact George Brown College
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.
Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program (AWCCA) (C137)
Program Description
Leadership Claims
George Brown College has been preparing graduates to work as Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocates over 30 years.
This program is unique in Canada.
Program Overview
George Brown College's Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (C137) 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 all sectors of the communities they work in and prepares them 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.
For applicants with 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.
Full Description
George Brown College's Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate (AWCCA) (C137) 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, and prepares them to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.
For applicants with 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.
Police Vulnerable Sector Check
Please note that some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a Police Vulnerable Sector Check completed before their field placement.
These Police 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 Police Vulnerable Sector 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 Vulnerable Sector Check may find that their choice of placements is limited.
Your Field Education Options
Field education plays an important role in George Brown's AWCCA program by preparing students 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.
In year one, AWCCA students 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 indentify placement options that will meet their learning goals
- participating in professional development activities
- learning about how programs and services are developed
In second year, AWCCA students will build on their learning by engaging in 400-hour unpaid field placement, where they will participate in many of the following:
- crisis intervention
- supportive counselling and accompaniment
- 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
Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for approximately 400 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, settlement agencies, health providers and other agencies who 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 the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies in the Greater Toronto Area and other locations in Ontario and Canada provide students with placement opportunities.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Educational Pathways
AWCCA graduates may apply for accelerated entry in the following related George Brown College programs:
- Social Service Worker (Accelerated) (C135)
- Child and Youth Care (Accelerated) (C153)
- Community Worker (Accelerated) (C131)
- Early Childhood Education (Accelerated) (C130)
See Transfer Guide.
Graduates of the AWCCA program are also 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 at Ryerson University
- Disability Studies B.A. at Toronto Metropolitan University (part-time)
- Bachelor of Social Work at York University
AWCCA graduates can also apply to Women and Gender Studies, Environmental Sciences, Indigenous Studies and other programs at several universities such as York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Athabasca University and University of Victoria.
Courses
Required Courses
SEMESTER 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COUN 1020 | Introduction to Feminist Counselling |
| WOMN 1079 | Introduction to Feminisms and Social Justice Movements |
| WOMN 1034 | The Structure of Privilege and Oppression |
| WOMN 1035 | Integrative Seminar I |
| WOMN 1050 | Digital Technology: Violence & Justice Issues |
| COMM 2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
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 |
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
International Tuition
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 2022. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2023 and at later dates.
** Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2023. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2024 and at later dates.
† 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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, in order to prepare for their future career or employment. For more information, please visit the Clinical Pre-placement website.
Our field placement partners may require students to show proof of vaccination. It is your responsibility to ensure all pre-placement requirements are met.
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 College Online Application System.
Contact Us
Email the Assaulted Women’s and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program office awcca@georgebrown.ca.
Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate Program Co-ordinator
Tanisha Sri Bhaggiyadatta
Email: tanisha.sribhaggiyadatta@georgebrown.ca
For more information about George Brown College Contact George Brown College
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.
