#keepwaterlooregionkind
I have experienced harm
Everyone deserves to live in a safe and inclusive community where they feel like they belong.
If you have experienced hate or identity-based harm, you are not alone. This space was created with you in mind – a place where your experiences are acknowledged and where your healing matters.
On this page, you will find resources to support your journey. You can learn about services that offer support, validation, and connection, as well as information to help you understand your rights, and to learn about options for reporting incidents of hate. Whether you're seeking comfort and someone to talk to, practical support, resources and information, or simply a place to feel seen, we are committed to walking alongside you. Healing doesn’t have to be a solitary path. Together, we can create a community rooted in compassion and dignity where safety and belonging are not just ideals—they are a lived experience.
Supports for people experiencing hate
If you have experienced harm due to hate, there are supports available so you can work towards healing by connecting with local community supports, learn to respond to acts of hate, and understand your rights.
Community Justice Initiatives (CJI)
Community Justice Initiatives (CJI) is a local community-based restorative justice organization dedicated to supporting individuals who have experienced harm, including identity-based harm. CJI provides safe, compassionate spaces for people to explore their experiences, be heard, and access meaningful options for justice and healing.
Through restorative justice processes—including facilitated dialogues, restorative circles, and tailored support plans—CJI helps victims share their stories, engage in a process of repair, and work toward restoration in ways that feel safe, respectful, and empowering. Their approach centers the voices of those harmed, recognizes the impact of systemic inequities, and offers pathways to both personal and community healing.
Victim-Initiated Restorative Responses (VIRR)
The Victim-Initiated Restorative Responses (VIRR) program supports those impacted by harm to directly request restorative justice as an option to address their healing and justice needs. The VIRR process offers confidential options such as direct mediation, letter-writing processes, and other collaborative pathways that prioritize survivor agency and choice.
Are you a victim of harm and interested in exploring a restorative justice process? Use the self-referral form and/or learn more and access support by emailing rrhc@cjiwr.com.
Together Against Islamophobia (TAI)
As a core program of the Coalition of Muslim women, TAI is designed to counter Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia and gendered Islamophobia at societal, structural, institutional and interpersonal levels.
The program addresses complex race-related issues, such as gendered Islamophobia through a multipronged strategy, relying on community outreach, public education, bridge building, and advocacy.
How to Report
Hate-motivated incidents can be reported in multiple ways
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Online through reportinghate.ca
Established by the Coalition of Muslim Women, this comprehensive reporting system allows victims or bystanders to report online, or via phone, text, email and Whatsapp.
Anyone can report through this 3rd party, community-based online reporting mechanism. This can include people reporting for themselves, on behalf of someone they know, or as a witness.
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By contacting Waterloo Regional Police Service
Hate-motivated incidents and crimes remain significantly underreported across Canada—but your voice can help change that. If you experience or witness hate, reporting it can be a powerful step toward justice, accountability, and healing.
For emergency support, call 9-1-1
For non-emergency support, call
519-570-9777
Learn more about reporting hate incidents including helpful tips for reporting, what to expect during the process of reporting, and information on seeking support.
Learn about your rights
Canada has recently introduced legislation to combat hate crimes, intimidation, and obstruction. In response to the rise in hate crimes across Canada, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has introduced the Bill C-9: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (hate propaganda, hate crime and access to religious or cultural places).
The legislation would amend the Criminal Code to:
Make it a crime to intimidate and obstruct people from accessing places of worship, as well as schools, community centres and other places primarily used by an identifiable group;
Make hate motivated crime a specific offence, ensuring such conduct is more clearly denounced and that offenders are held accountable; and
Make it a crime to wilfully promote hatred against an identifiable group by displaying certain terrorism or hate symbols in public.
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About the Proposed Changes
The proposed changes respect Canadians’ Charter freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, and would not unreasonably impact the freedom to protest, or voice concerns peacefully. It targets criminal behaviour that intimidates or obstructs access to community spaces, making clear where the line is drawn.
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About the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms sets out the rights and freedoms that Canadians believe are necessary in a free and democratic society. These rights include fundamental freedoms such as freedom of conscience and religion and gender equality rights.
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About the Ontario Human Rights Code
Ontario also has a Human Rights Code recognizing the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family in accord with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.