Help for Victims of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is any form of violent or abusive behaviour that happens during a relationship or after such a relationship ends. It includes not only direct physical or sexual violence, but also other forms of abuse. Domestic violence can be used in an attempt to control or intimidate someone. Examples of this can include hurting or threatening to hurt a pet, threatening to hurt someone else, threatening to commit suicide, destroying property, or stealing money.

Domestic violence can occur in any type of relationship including dating, common law, marriage, and other family relationships. Incidents of violence or abuse can happen inside or outside the home and once or many times during the relationship and even after the relationship ends.

Each person can have different reactions to victimization. Trauma is the term that describes both the physical and emotional reactions to a traumatic event. Common symptoms of trauma include reviewing parts of the crime over and over in one’s mind, mood swings, shaken sense of personal safety, heightened sense of smell or hearing, emotional detachment, disassociation, and so on. Symptoms associated with trauma may take several weeks to subside. If you’re concerned about your or another’s reactions to a traumatic event, see a doctor, your counsellor, or contact VictimLink BC.

While many types of domestic violence are criminal offences, all types of domestic violence— physical and sexual assaults, threats, harassment, emotional abuse, and financial abuse or exploitation—are harmful.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and requires assistance, or if you just want to talk to someone, please call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.

Steps to Take if You Need Help

  • If you or your children are in immediate danger or need urgent medical attention, contact the police or ambulance services by calling 911 or the emergency number for your community.
  • If you want to contact the police but the situation is not urgent, call the non-emergency number for police in your community.
  • If you’re not sure about reporting to the police, please contact VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 to discuss your options.
  • If you or your children are not in a safe place, go to one. To find a transition house or safe home, call VictimLink BC at 1-800-565-0808.
  • Tell someone you trust what happened. Allow a friend or family member to provide emotional support or practical help to you.
  • Contact a victim service worker in your community by calling VictimLink BC at 1-800-565-0808. A victim service worker can help you directly and can also refer you to counselling and other services.
  • Get help from a victim service worker to develop a safety plan. A safety plan is a plan that helps to reduce the risks that you and your children face because of a violent situation.
  • Go to a hospital, a walk-in clinic, or your doctor as soon as possible after being physically injured or sexually assaulted. Even if the assault is not recent, it may be important to go for a check-up.
  • Specialized sexual assault teams may available in your area. Call VictimLink BC for more information.
  • If you have questions about domestic violence, or your rights, don’t hesitate to ask a victim service worker or call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808

Reporting to Police

You may wish to report domestic violence to the police. A support person can be with you when you report a crime to the police if you choose to do so. You can get help from victim services and other agencies, whether or not the police are involved. If you are unsure about reporting to the police, you may find that talking with a Victim Service Worker helps in making this decision. Call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 to contact a Victim Service Worker in your community.

Children Who Witness Abuse

Children who witness violent or abusive behaviour against a parent may exhibit various emotions such as anxiety, confusion, fear and anger, and some may act out aggressively and some may withdraw. How children react may be influenced by many factors. A Victim Service Worker can give you support and provide referrals to programs that help children and parents. There are a range of programs to support children and parents. For more information, call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.

If you believe that a child needs protection, you can call the Helpline for Children at 310-1234 (no area code required) 24 hours a day. To use the TTD (Telephone Device for the Deaf), call 1-866-660-0505.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and requires assistance, or if you just want to talk to someone, please call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.