"This is an excellent resource not only for women to use on their own but also for counsellors and advocates." - Dr. Mary Russell, PhD, Professor of Social Work, UBC.
Helpline for Children: Dial 0 (operator) and ask for Zenith 1234
VictimLINK
1-800-563-0808. A 24-hour, seven-day-a-week free helpline for victims of family and sexual violence, and all other crimes. VictimLINK can provide service in 110 languages.
Domestic Violence Counselling and Crisis Services
604-827-3311: Burnaby, Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver: Richmond, Delta
604-540-2221: New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge
604-951-8855: South Fraser region
Options South Asian Information and Crisis Line (Surrey): 604-596-4357
Aboriginal Wellness Program: 604-563-0808
Immigrant & Visible Minority Women: 604-254-9626 or visit MOSAIC
Below is a listing of Lower Mainland first stage emergency residential shelters. These transition houses provide up to 30 days of temporary, safe and supported shelter to women and their children experiencing domestic violence.
In the event all transition houses are full at the time of your call, for interim emergency residential options contact the Ministry of Housing & Social Development "After-Hours Emergency Line" at 604-660-3194. If phoning from outside of the Lower Mainland call 1-800-663-9122.
When you have finished your stay at a transition house, and are still in need of protection or requiring help for long term plans for independent living, you can apply for a second-stage residence. Second-stage shelters may provide accommodation for a period of months. Women in either first or second stage are given priority for affordable housing options where it is available.
Run by the Canadian Bar Association's BC branch: offers connections to lawyers who practice in specific areas of law, as well as pre-recorded discussions about common legal problems. Visit www.cba.org/BC/home/main.
Clicklaw
A website aimed at enhancing access to justice in BC. The link "Solve Problems" provides legal information and can help people find law-related services in communities across BC. Visit www.clicklaw.bc.ca.
Legal Services Society
Provides legal aid in BC for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Visit www.lss.bc.ca.
Pro Bono Law of British Columbia
Provides you with resources and links to help you find free legal advice and assistance. Visit www.probononet.bc.ca.
Salvation Army Pro Bono Program
For persons with low or median income. In accessing their financial criteria, you will be asked by the Pro Bono staff to supply your net household income. Visit www.probono.ca.
Simon Fraser University: a non-profit parenting organization providing information, support and referrals. Also offers help for parents and children through a divorce or separation. Visit www.informationchildren.com.
Domestic Violence Outpatient Clinic for Abused Men run by Vancouver General Hospital. Call 604-875-5458.
Counselling Programs
VictimLINK maintains a resource list for province-wide counselling services for male offenders and male victims of abuse. Call 1-800-563-0808 or visit www.victimlinkbc.ca.
Men in Change
A program run by Mosaic providing counselling and education to immigrant men who have committed domestic violence, or are at risk of such behaviour. Visit www.mosaicbc.com/family-programs/family-programs/men-change or call 604-254-9626.
Warriors Against Violence
Abuse prevention programs for aboriginal men and youth. Call 604-255-3240 or visit www.wavbc.com.
The above list of referral agencies is intended solely for your convenience. No implied warranty is made concerning the quality of services offered by them and you should therefore make your own determination for the suitability of any such agency and the services offered by them.
