Community Support Agencies
There are a variety of support agencies, many located in Greater Victoria, including:
SUDDEN DEATH:
Victoria Hospice – has provided care and support for individuals and their families facing advanced illness, death and bereavement. The team of physicians, nurses, counselors, spiritual caregivers and volunteers provides expert physical, social, emotional and spiritual care. For more information, call 250 370-8715.
victoriahospice.org
Funeral Association of British Columbia – is a provincial organization of funeral directors whose purpose is to assist the funeral profession attain the highest possible standards of ethics, service and proficiency. For more information or referral, call their province-wide toll-free line at 1-800-665-3899.
www.bcfunerals.com
BC Bereavement Helpline – provides information and resources to those in need. Their website has an extensive amount of information dealing with many aspects of grief. Call their toll-free number at 1-877-779-2223.
www.bcbereavementhelpline.com
RELATIONSHIP VIOLENCE:
Victoria Women’s Transition House – is a non-profit society that responds to abuse of women in relationships by providing shelter, support and counseling for women with or without their children. The Society also does community programming to increase awareness of family violence issues. Call the 24 hour crisis line at 250 385-6611 or the office at 250 592-2927.
www.transitionhouse.net
Spousal Assault Victim Support Program – The Spousal Assault Victim Support Program is a service available to victims of assault, threats or criminal harassment by an intimate partner or ex-partner. Clients are given support as they proceed through the criminal justice system, given referrals to community agencies and provided with short-term counselling. For assistance please phone: Victoria 250-356-1201 / Western Communities 250-391-2864.
Family Violence Project – this program is now being offered through Pacific Centre Family Services Association. This program is designed for men who have been abusive and women who have been abused in relationships. For more information, call 250-478-8357 or toll free at 1-866-478-8357. www.pacificentrefamilyservices.org
Domestic Violence Unit – As part of its Domestic Violence Action Plan, the Government of B.C. has developed a new web portal of resources for victims of domestic violence to help them get the support they need. For information call 1-800-563-0808 or visit their website www.domesticviolencebc.ca
VICTIM OF CRIME:
Victim LINK (Victim Information Line) – VictimLINK is a province-wide telephone help line for victims of family and sexual violence, and all other crimes. Certified specialists provide information and referrals to all victims of crime, and crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence, including sexual assault, violence in relationships, elder abuse, and adult survivors of physical or sexual abuse. Services are provided in 130 languages, including 17 North American aboriginal languages. Call 1 800 563-0808, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
www.victimlinkbc.ca
Women’s Sexual Assault Centre – offers a number of programs, all focused to support, empower and advocate for women who are survivors of sexual assault and sexual abuse. Centre staff and volunteers act as a liaison between individuals affected by sexual violence, the justice and medical systems and community services. To contact the Centre, please call their crisis and info line at 250 383-3232.
www.vwsac.com
Mary Manning Centre – is the primary provider of therapy and victim services for children and youth in Greater Victoria who have experienced sexual abuse. Staff work with families, schools, police and professionals in family services, child protection and community living services to ensure a coordinated, holistic approach to supporting children and families. For more information, call 250 385-6111.
www.marymanning.com
Men’s Trauma Centre – provides psychological and practical support to males sixteen years and older who suffer from the effects of physical, emotional or sexual trauma, in order to facilitate their emotional healing. The Centre also provides support for clients’ significant others. Contact the Centre at 250 381-6367.
www.menstrauma.com
OTHER:
Law Courts Education Society of BC – is a website dedicated to making our justice system accessible to everyone. They provide extensive information on a variety of issues including representing yourself in court.
www.lawcourtsed.ca
Vancouver Island Crisis Line – provides emotional support, crisis intervention services and community resource information. They are a telephone-only support and information service, staffed by volunteers who are professionally trained to offer emotional support. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is 1-888-494-3888.
www.cvics.ca
Our Police Partners
