Vancouver Island, BC: Sexual Assault Resources
Writer: Vedanshi
CW: Discussion of violence, harassment, abuse
Know someone who can benefit from these resources? Show them this QR code to scan and open this resource page in a mobile browser.
We’re going to share some available options for seeking support after a sexual assault, or for those who have experienced domestic abuse or harassment. When someone is assaulted, their choice is taken away from them. When deciding what kind of support to seek, the choice is in the survivor’s hands, every step of the way.
If there is an immediate threat to your (or someone else’s) life: call 911.
A reminder for allies: If someone has been sexually assaulted, it was not their fault. They may not remember what exactly happened, and that is normal. Be kind, be non-judgemental, and be willing to support the choices they are ready to make for themselves. You can also share this article with a survivor to support them in identifying their options.
Learn about options for support, and ways to take action:
Our article on 'Crisis Support' provides a general idea on the types of support services available to survivors. Our article titled 'What do I do?' summarizes what can be done in this kind of a situation, both for the victim/survivor and their supportive allies. This includes medical help, mental health support, police action, legal support, or seeking physical safety in a shelter.
SAFE BUDDIES
A Phone Safe Buddy can be on the line with you and make sure you get to your destination safely. Learn more about requesting a Safe Buddy from anywhere in Canada on our website: boltsafety.org/safebuddies
SAFE HUBS
A network of safe spaces in partnership with local businesses. Find a safe space near you: boltsafety.org/safehubs
INFORMATION DATABASES
BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre
Website: bcwomens.ca
About: Understand how healthcare professionals can help after a sexual assault
BC 211
Website: bc.211.ca
About: A database of resources, which can be filtered based on region and service type.
COUNSELLING SERVICES
Island Health Residential Historical Abuse Program (RHAP)
Phone: 1-866-213-4408 (Vancouver Island Toll-free)
Website: islandhealth.ca
About: "Provides access to free counselling services for individuals who were sexually abused as children (when age 18 or younger) while living in residential facilities that were funded or operated by the BC provincial government. After intake, clients are directed to Island Health endorsed counsellors in the community. The program arranges funding directly with the counsellor. Serves Vancouver Island. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday."
Victoria Sexual Assault Centre
Website: vsac.ca/counselling
About: "The Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) provides both crisis support and trauma counselling, as well as group counselling sessions for all women, [Trans], Two-Spirit and Gender Non-Conforming people."
CRISIS LINES
Vancouver Island Crisis Line (24-Hours):
Phone: 1-888-494-3888
About: "Provides emotional support and information to people of all genders directly or indirectly affected by sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse. Facilitates hospital and/or police accompaniment for recent sexual assault survivors."
24 Hour Rape Crisis Line:
Phone: 604-872-8212
About: “Free, confidential, phone based crisis intervention, information, and referral.”
VictimLinkBC:
Phone: 1-800-563-0808 (toll-free)
About: “VictimLinkBC provides information and referral services to all victims of crime and immediate crisis support to victims of family and sexual violence. Available 24 hours a day.”
Women Against Violence Against Women (WAVAW) Rape Crisis Centre:
Phone: 1-877-392-7583 (national toll free line)
About: “Confidential, immediate, emotional support, information, referrals, and hospital accompaniment. Available 24 hours a day.”
FORENSIC AND MEDICAL SUPPORT
Island Health Forensic Nursing Services
Website: islandhealth.ca/our-services/forensic-nursing-services/forensic-nursing-services
Hospitals and social service organizations offering this service have been pinned to our Safe Hubs map here.
About: "If you have experienced sexual assault or intentional relationship violence of any sort within the past 7 days, you can access our Forensic Nursing Services at most emergency rooms across the island."
SAFE SPACES
CAMPBELL RIVER | Ann Elmore House:
Phone: 250-286-3666 (24 hour help line), 1-800-667-2188 (toll free), or 250-895-1773 (text-only, 24 hour help line)
Website: annelmorehouse.ca
About: By the Campbell River and North Island Transition Society. Provides "safe shelter, support, and programs to women and children fleeing abuse".