Confidential Line: 778-886-7001

Burnaby Safe House

➔  CALL 911 for the Police if in immediate danger
➔  CALL: 1-800-563-0808 for 24-hr VictimLINK helpline

Resources

Resources for the Lower Mainland

Recommended Reading

 

When Love Hurts (revised ed 2016)
By Jill Cory and Karen McAndless-Davis

A readable book covering such topics as:

  • What’s wrong with my relationship?
  • Why does my partner hurt me?
  • Is there something wrong with me?
  • Why do I stay in this relationship?
  • Will counselling help?
  • What about my children?

“This is an excellent resource not only for women to use on their own but also for counsellors and advocates.” ~ Dr. Mary Russell, PhD, Professor of Social Work, UBC

When Home Hurts: A Guide to Responding Wisely to Domestic Abuse in Your Church
By Jeremy Pierre & Greg Wilson, 2021

The book offers guidance in how to help the person being abused, and also in how to approach and work with the abuser. It is dedicated to churches, but it is also useful to counselors and those who work with survivors as well as try to the abusers.

 Emergency Numbers

 

  • Police / RCMP: 911
  • Helpline for Children: 310-1234 (No area code needed). Anyone – kids, parents, teachers, neighbours – can phone the new helpline number from anywhere in the province at any hour of the day or night, seven days a week
  • VictimLINKBC: 1-800-563-0808. A 24-hour, seven-day-a-week free helpline for victims of family and sexual violence, and all other crimes. VictimLINKBC can provide service in 240 languages.
  • For assistance finding shelter by telephone or online: Call 211 or visit https://bc.211.ca/shelter-lists/
  • Domestic Violence Counselling and Crisis Services:
    604-827-3311    : Burnaby, Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver: Richmond, Delta.
    604-540-2221    : New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge,
    604-951-8855    : South Fraser region
  • Options South Asian Information and Crisis Line (Surrey): 604-596-4357
  • Aboriginal Wellness Program: 604-563-0808 (VictimLinkBC) 1-855-242-3310
  • Kuu-Us Crisis Society provides crisis services for indigenous people across BC: 250-723-2040
  • First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day:  1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment. 
  • Immigrant & Visible Minority Women: 604-254-9626 or visit MOSAIC
  • Seniors Information Helpline: 604-437-1940
  • Suicide Crisis Helpline 9-8-8 (call or text)

Transition Houses

In the province of BC there are different kinds of shelter services available to people in need.

  • First stage shelters are also commonly referred to as emergency shelters are often 30 days stays. The turnaround time can vary depending on decisions made there but often require repeat calls to check daily for openings.
  • Second stage shelters can vary greatly in their details. Some stays may be months and others up to a year or more, some offer programs while others aim for independence. Most have criteria to ensure the best suited housing for each individual situation.
  • Third stage housing is occasionally found. Many times, it will be an extension of a second stage shelter.

Below is a listing of Lower Mainland first stage emergency residential shelters. These transition houses provide up to 30 days of temporary, safe and supported shelter to women and their children experiencing domestic violence.

In the event all transition houses are full at the time of your call, for interim emergency residential options contact the Ministry of Housing at 1-800-663-7867. Outside of Canada/USA: 1-604-660-2421. Available in over 220 languages.

You may also find additional shelters and housing options by dialing 2-1-1 from any phone, or by visiting www.bchousing.org  or  www.bc211.ca.  BC Housing and BC211 both list all shelters/homes by area for your convenience.

Women in either first or second stage are given priority for affordable housing options where it is available.

Vancouver

North Vancouver

Burnaby

New Westminster

Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam

Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge

Richmond

Surrey

Langley

Aldergrove

For a complete listing of Transition Houses in the Province of British Columbia visit Ministry of Community Services BC Canada.

Financial Support

Income Assistance
How to apply for Income Assistance. Visit www.mhr.gov.bc.ca/bcea.htm.

Subsidized Housing
How to apply for subsidized housing. Visit www.bchousing.org/applicants.

Child Support
Ministry of Attorney General: Child Support Officers are available for information, personal assistance and referrals. Visit www.justicebc.ca/en/fam/index.html.

Spousal Support
JP Boyd’s BC Family Law Resource on spousal support guidelines and legislation.
Visit www.bcfamilylawresource.com/05/0500body.htm.

Legal Assistance

JP Boyd’s BC Family Law Resource on spousal support guidelines and legislation. JP Boyd, KC · Family Law

Legal Services Society
Provides legal aid in BC for people who cannot afford a lawyer. Visit Legal Aid BC – Free legal help for BC residents.

Welcome to Family Law in BC | Family Law in BC (legalaid.bc.ca)

Dial-a-Law
Run by the Canadian Bar Association’s BC branch: offers connections to lawyers who practice in specific areas of law, as well as pre-recorded discussions about common legal problems. Visit www.cbabc.org/For-the-Public/Dial-A-Law.

Clicklaw
A website aimed at enhancing access to justice in BC. The link “Solve Problems” provides legal information and can help people find law-related services in communities across BC. Visit
www.clicklaw.bc.ca.

Access Pro Bono Society of British Columbia
Provides you with resources and links to help you find free legal advice and assistance. Visit
www.accessprobono.ca.

Parenting Resources

Information Children
Simon Fraser University: a non-profit parenting organization providing information, support and referrals. Also offers help for parents and children through a divorce or separation. Visit www.informationchildren.com.

Resources for Men

Men in Change
A program run by Mosaic providing counselling and education to immigrant men who have committed domestic violence, or are at risk of such behaviour.

Visit The Men in Change Program | MOSAIC Programs (mosaicbc.org) or call 604-254-9626.

Counselling Programs
VictimLINK maintains a resource list for province-wide counselling services for male offenders and male victims of abuse.
Call 1-800-563-0808 or visit www.victimlinkbc.ca.

Warriors Against Violence
Abuse prevention programs for aboriginal men and youth.
Call 604-255-3240 or visit wav-bc.com.

Resources Disclaimer:
The above list of referral agencies is intended solely for your convenience. No implied warranty is made concerning the quality of services offered by them and you should therefore make your own determination for the suitability of any such agency and the services offered by them.

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Recommended Reading
Emergency Numbers
Transition Houses
Financial Support
Legal Assistance
Parenting Resources
Services For Men