Help for Victims of Crime

There are more than 160 Victim Service Programs across BC and Yukon that provide assistance and support to victims of crime.

If you are a victim of a crime, your local Victim Service Worker can provide:

  • emotional support
  • practical assistance (such as going with you to talk to the police)
  • information about the criminal justice system, the court process and the status of your case
  • court orientation and accompaniment
  • help in applying for benefits available to victims of crime
  • referrals to other agencies and services
  • help with a Victim Impact Statement and other forms
  • safety planning and programs
  • information about protective orders including Peace Bonds

Contact VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 to find a victim service worker in your area.

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.

In addition to providing assistance to victims of violent crime, VictimLink BC can also provide assistance to victims of non-violent crime such as fraud or identity theft. Fraud is the intentional deception of another individual for purposes of personal gain. Fraud is perpetrated through many methods including mail, phone, and the Internet. Identity theft is the unauthorized possession or use of someone’s personal information to create a fictitious identity, to commit fraud, or to takeover an existing identity. Identity theft may result in financial loss, the misuse of a victim’s debit card or credit card data, difficulty obtaining credit, or difficulty restoring one’s legitimate credit rating.

If you are a victim of crime and require assistance, or if you just want to talk to someone, please call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 to connect with a victim service worker in your area.

Steps to Take If You Need Help

  • If you 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’re not sure about reporting a crime to the police, please contact VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 to discuss your options.
  • If you are frightened, ask someone to stay with you, stay at a friend’s place or with a member of your family. If going out alone frightens you, ask someone to go with you.
  • Talking about the experience can be a good way to express your feelings.
  • Family and friends can be a great support.
  • Try to eat regularly, even if you eat small amounts, and get lots of rest. This will help you cope more easily with the stress of the event.
  • If you have been physically injured or fear that you may experience physical effects as a result of this crime, seek medical assistance immediately.
  • Signs of stress, such as difficulty sleeping, depression or anxiety usually fade with time. Should any physical or emotional symptoms continue, see your family physician for advice.
  • Participate in activities that relieve stress or are healing and enjoyable. Try to maintain your daily routine as much as possible.
  • Ask your local victim service worker to develop a safety plan for you and talk with you about ways you can protect yourself. If you’re not sure what to do, please call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.

Financial Benefits for Victims of Crime

If you are injured as a result of certain crimes, you can apply for benefits through the Crime Victim Assistance Program to assist you in your recovery. As well, if you need to travel to attend court proceedings, you may be eligible for assistance from the Victims Travel Fund. For more information, go to the Financial Benefits for Victims of Crime section.

Please note that deadlines for financial benefits may affect the eligibility of your claim. For more information talk to a Victim Service Worker or call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.

Victim Notification

Victims of crime can enrol in the victim notification program and receive notification when the accused or offender is released from custody. If you’re not sure if you qualify for victim notification, please call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.

You can apply for victim notification with the assistance of a victim service worker, by calling VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808, or by calling the Victim Safety Unit toll free at 1-877-315-8822.

If you are a victim of crime and require assistance, or if you just want to talk to someone, please call VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808.