Nina's Place - Spotlight - Linda

“The most rewarding part of my job is to ensure survivors are treated with dignity and respect, holding space to create a supportive, caring, non-judgemental and compassionate approach to healing.”

Linda is a Charge Nurse at Nina’s Place, Halton Region’s sexual assault/domestic violence care centre. At Nina’s Place, there is a team of specifically trained nurses and social workers who are experienced in providing trauma informed care to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Throughout the pandemic, Nina’s Place has continued to provide care to those who need it. The team adapted quickly to challenges presented by the pandemic by finding creative ways of following up with their clients to ensure that they continued to feel connected to support and community resources they needed.

“Our social workers have enabled counselling services to be done in person, virtually and over the phone, for extra support and reassurance.”

What is unique about the services provided at Nina’s Place is that care is directed by the survivors and is provided at the pace they are comfortable with. The centre is comprised of a suite of rooms designed to meet the special needs of survivors (women, men and youth) of sexual assault and domestic violence in an environment of dignity, privacy and safety.

“I believe survivors are experts in their own health and the care that I provide greatly enhances a sense of control and autonomy back into their life.”

There is a team of nurses at Nina’s Place who provide care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If individuals attend any emergency department in Halton Region, they will be transferred to Nina’s Place for help.

“Sexual violence can negatively impact a survivor’s physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social health and wellbeing. The most rewarding part of my job is to ensure survivors are treated with dignity and respect, holding space to create a supportive, caring, non-judgemental and compassionate approach to healing.”

In addition to being a nurse at Nina’s Place, Linda is also a part of the Sexual Assault Advisory Committee for Halton, which enables a multi-disciplinary approach to enhancing sexual assault investigations in a collaborative manner. This committee provides training and education too all first responders in order to equip them with the best practice skills and knowledge in providing care to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

We asked Linda if there was one thing she wished people knew about her job.

“The one I wish people knew about my job is how connected we are within the community in providing professional & community education as well as outreach.  Nina’s Place Team holds seats on the Halton Violence Prevention Council, Domestic Violence Court Advisory Committee.”

Thank you Linda and the dedicated team of nurses and social workers at Nina’s Place for your exemplary, compassionate care.