Multicultural Victim Services

• Assaulted in a relationship (husband, partner, family) or by a complete stranger
• Robbed of personal belongings
• Stalked or harassed by a stranger or an ex-partner
• Assaulted or hurt with physical violence or weapons
• Sexually assaulted or touched inappropriately without consent
• Abducted
• Afraid in a relationship (husband, partner, family) because of possessive and controlling behaviour
• Forced to explain how you spend your money
• Told that police will not believe or understand you if you call them
• Told by a spouse or family member that you could not have a job, take English classes or get job training
• Told that your child would be taken away from you forever by a spouse or family member
• Threatened with the loss of custody of your children
• Threatened that your immigration or sponsorship status would be affected
• Told or believe that you have no rights in Canada
• Criticized constantly, told you are fat, ugly, stupid or cannot do anything right
• Told that everything is your fault
• Threatened that a family member would be hurt or killed
• Told that your pet has been hurt or killed

You are someone special and you deserve a happy and peaceful life.  Know that you are not alone and we are here to help.

Whether the crime happened recently or even in your childhood, you may still be suffering from the effects. We understand that some crimes are harder to recover from. Crimes of intimate abuse or sexual assault by someone you know or by a stranger are particularly difficult.

It can be very hard to speak up and get help. You may feel that it was your fault. And that you caused it. You may feel afraid, ashamed, angry or have no one to talk to.   If this describes you, please know that you are not alone.  Call us.

Our Multicultural Victim Services are offered on a one-to-one basis in the office or by phone. We are here to listen, answer your questions and concerns, help you develop a safety plan, go over what you can do, and make referrals as needed. We do not give advice or tell you what to do. We go over the options and you decide what you want to do. We can accompany you to some appointments so you can get information and help. You do not have to do this alone.

• Listening and helping – we will listen to your story and help you deal with your trauma. We can help you prioritize what you can do and who else you can turn to for help.
• Offering practical information – we can offer: information on abuse and crime; safety planning; legal aid; lawyer referral services and legal options; emergency shelters and transition houses; income assistance (welfare); B.C. housing programs; Work Safe B.C.; health clinics; community centres; daycares; and other resources available in the community.
• Helping with police or lawyers – we can help you work with the police to get case-specific updates on any investigations, protective orders, or to determine the outcome of court appearances or custodial determinations. We can work with you on what it means to be a witness, courtroom etiquette and courtroom procedure.
• Assisting with paperwork – we can help you with the practical side of filling out the Crime Victim Assistance application, Victim Impact Statements for court purposes, and writing letters for workplace or housing to describe your situation and what kind of assistance you may need from them.
• Advocating for you – with your consent, we can call your workplace, income assistance, transition house, emergency shelter, police officer, crown counsel, lawyer, legal aid, medical professional or other relevant people/organizations to help you with additional support.
• General support – we can meet with you in public, safe places like: courthouses, legal aid offices, lawyer’s offices family justice centres, income assistance or other community offices. We are here for you to lean on. You are not alone.

To get help from this program, or to refer someone to this program, please contact us at: 604-254-9626 (Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

After-hours contact: VictimLink BC – at 1-800-563-0808

Please call ahead for in-person appointment times.

Program brochure – English

Program brochure – 한국어 (Korean)

Program brochure – Việt Ngữ (Vietnamese)

Program brochure – ਪੰਜਾਬੀ (Punjabi)

Program brochure – Español (Spanish)

Program brochure – 中文 (Chinese Simplified)

Program brochure – فارسی (Farsi)

Program brochure – 日本語 (Japanese)