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BC Crisis Line – 9-8-8
Canada's national suicide crisis helpline. Call or text 9-8-8 any time to reach a trained crisis responder. Free, confidential, and available in English and French.
Help in these languages:- English
- Français French
Seniors Abuse & Information Line (SAIL)
Confidential phone line for seniors across BC, and people who care about them, to report or ask about abuse, neglect or mistreatment. Trained intake workers listen and connect callers to local supports and help with safety planning. Free to call, with interpretation available in multiple languages. If the line is busy, callers can press 2 to leave a message for a callback.
VictimLinkBC
Confidential support service for victims of crime, abuse, family violence, and human trafficking. VictimLinkBC provides crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to local victim services, shelters, legal supports, and counselling.
Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS)
Crisis line and ongoing support for women experiencing intimate partner violence, childhood sexual abuse, or sexual assault, including trans, immigrant, Indigenous, and 2SLGBTQI+ survivors. Workers offer safety planning and counselling, help navigating police, courts, housing, and financial systems, and can report an assault to police on a survivor’s behalf so they stay anonymous. A separate Justice Centre program offers free legal representation and clinics. Free and confidential, in many languages. Call the crisis and intake line Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm; leave a voicemail or email intake@bwss.org after hours or if it is not safe to talk.
For Women
BC Drug and Poison Control Centre (BC DPIC)
24-hour poison control service providing immediate advice for accidental poisoning, toxic exposure, or overdose concerns.
BC Seniors' Distress Line
Free, confidential phone line for seniors feeling lonely, distressed, or facing a crisis, and for caregivers or anyone concerned about an older adult. Trained volunteers listen and help callers work through problems such as grief, isolation, retirement stress, or health worries, and can connect callers with other services. Answered 24 hours a day, every day, with interpretation available in many languages. Call 604-872-1234. This is a separate line from the general Distress Centre number, 604-872-3311.
Distress Line - Crisis Centre BC
Free and confidential telephone support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, crisis, or grief.
Suicide Line - Crisis Line Association of BC
Provincial crisis line network offering immediate support for people experiencing emotional distress or mental health crisis.
Trans Lifeline
Free, confidential peer support crisis line for trans, nonbinary, and questioning people, staffed entirely by trans and nonbinary operators. Call for emotional support or someone to talk to during a crisis or moments of isolation. Operators will not contact emergency services without the caller’s request.
Vancouver Police Department - Non-Emergency
If you’re experiencing a life-threatening or dangerous emergency, call 9-1-1. The Vancouver Police Department’s non-emergency line (604-717-3321) is for situations where you need police assistance but it is not urgent. You can call this number to report things like suspicious activity, theft, fraud or scam attempts, ongoing disturbances, or safety concerns in your neighbourhood. For seniors, it’s a helpful option if something feels wrong or concerning but doesn’t require immediate emergency response, you can speak with someone directly, ask questions, and get guidance on what to do next.
National Indian Residential School Crisis Line
24/7 national crisis line for anyone affected by their experience at an Indian Residential School, including Survivors, families, and intergenerational survivors. Trained responders offer emotional support and can connect callers to other health and cultural supports. Free and confidential. Call 1-866-925-4419 any time, day or night. The same line connects Survivors and families to free ongoing support through the Resolution Health Support Program, including counselling, traditional healing with Elders and help getting to appointments (in BC coordinated by the First Nations Health Authority).
For Indigenous People
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
Free, confidential crisis support, counselling, and hospital or police accompaniment for survivors of sexualized violence, for women, Two-Spirit, trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse people age 14 and up. Through its Victim Services Program, workers help survivors apply for Crime Victim Assistance Program benefits and Victim Impact Statements, can report an assault to police on a survivor’s behalf so they stay anonymous, and offer culturally appropriate support for Indigenous survivors. Call the 24-hour crisis line any time, or reach the office Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm.
For Women
BC Gas Leak Emergency – FortisBC
Emergency line for a gas leak, a strong gas smell, or another natural gas emergency anywhere FortisBC serves in BC. Call 1-800-663-9911 right away; the line runs 24 hours a day, every day. Leave the area before calling if possible, and do not use light switches, phones, or anything that could cause a spark near a suspected leak.
Chinese Community Policing Centre
Community policing centre serving Vancouver’s Chinatown and the wider Chinese community, run by volunteers in partnership with the Vancouver Police Department. Offers Cantonese and Mandarin interpretation for police and court matters, crime prevention and personal safety education, and help filing a police report. Victim assistance workers help crime survivors with safety planning, court accompaniment, victim impact statements, and applying for Crime Victim Assistance Program benefits. Open Monday to Friday 9:30am-4:30pm and Saturday 10am-4pm, closed statutory holidays.
Help in these languages:- English
- 廣東話 Cantonese
- 普通话 Mandarin
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Nonprofit social service agency with offices across Metro Vancouver, including a main office on East Broadway in Vancouver. Offers free trauma counselling and victim support services for people of all ages, including seniors, who have experienced abuse, family violence, or other trauma. Also provides family counselling, parenting groups, and financial empowerment coaching. Call 604-731-4951 to find the right program and location.
Services & Programs (1)
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Free, confidential support from Family Services of Greater Vancouver for people affected by sexual abuse, family violence or other crime, including adult survivors of childhood abuse and elder abuse. A support worker can explain the court process, go to court and other interviews with a person, give case updates, help complete Crime Victim Assistance Program forms and victim impact statements, and offer emotional support and referrals. Serves Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and Richmond. Not every location accepts open referrals, so call first. Call 604-731-4951, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, or call VictimLinkBC anytime at 1-800-563-0808 for 24/7 crisis support.
Investment & Securities Fraud Prevention (BC Securities Commission)
Investor education from the BC Securities Commission InvestRight program to help seniors and their families recognize and avoid investment scams and fraud. Resources include guides to common scams, warning signs, and how to talk with a loved one about financial abuse. Call or email to report suspected investment fraud or ask a question - information is also available online.
LGBTQ2S+ Community Response Networks
Province-wide network connecting 2SLGBTQIA+ seniors who are isolated, at risk, or facing abuse or neglect with culturally affirming support. Includes three regional Community Response Networks: the JQT Seniors Initiative for the Jewish LGBTQ2S+ community, and LOVE networks for Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland. Call Qmunity or the Seniors Abuse and Information Line to get connected with the right network. Free, no referral needed.
Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society
Multilingual nonprofit supporting immigrants, refugees, and women experiencing family violence across Metro Vancouver, including seniors and families. Offers crisis intervention, supportive counselling, safety planning, and help settling in Canada, in more than a dozen languages. Services are free. Call the office or the victim services helpline Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. The office is in Burnaby.
Victim Services Unit
Free, confidential support from the Vancouver Police Department for people affected by crime or trauma, including victims, witnesses and family members. Civilian staff trained in crisis intervention offer emotional support, help understanding a case, and referrals to other services. A trained support dog is also available. Referrals usually come from a police officer after a report, but self-referral and referrals from other agencies are accepted. Call 604-717-2737 ext. 4, Monday to Friday 7am-6pm. On-scene support is available any time a VPD officer requests it.
Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
Drop-in centre and support for women and gender-diverse people in the Downtown Eastside.
Services & Programs (2)
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Support for women in the Downtown Eastside who have been victims of crime, including sexual assault, family violence, historical abuse and stalking. Run by DEWC, the program provides immediate emotional support, crisis intervention, counselling, accompaniment to court, and information and referral. Free and confidential - call to connect with a victim services worker.For Women
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Low-barrier drop-in centre exclusively for women and gender-diverse people in the Downtown Eastside. Provides meals three times daily, clothing, showers, health referrals, peer advocacy, and community programs. Welcoming to older women and Elders. Extension 228 when calling.For Women
Outreach for Women Who are Older
Emotional and practical support, advocacy, and referrals for women age 55 and over who have experienced abuse from a family member, intimate partner, or someone in a position of power such as a landlord or caregiver. For women who are not ready or able to go to a transition house. Run by Atira. Free. Call 604-681-4437 or email swo@atira.bc.ca. Staff are available Monday to Wednesday 8:30am-5pm and Thursday 11:30am-8pm.
For Women
Helping Spirit Lodge Society
Indigenous-led organization in Vancouver supporting women and children fleeing domestic violence, and other individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Runs the Spirit Lodge Transition House (emergency shelter, up to 30 days) and Spirit Way Transition House (transitional housing up to 18 months), plus street outreach and help finding permanent housing through Journey Home. Call 604-874-6629, Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, to ask about space or a program.
For Women
Vancouver Rape Relief and Women's Shelter
24-hour crisis line offering free, confidential emotional support, safety planning, and referrals to anyone affected by male violence, including sexual assault, domestic violence, and trafficking. Provides temporary shelter for about 30 days to women, with or without children, who are fleeing violence or at risk, including women without immigration status. No ID is required and there is no waitlist. Also helps women find longer-term housing through referrals, subsidy information, and search assistance. Call the crisis line first to access any of these services.
For Women
BWSS Justice Centre
Battered Women’s Support Services program giving free legal help to women and femmes in BC who have experienced intimate partner, domestic, or sexualized violence, especially those denied legal aid or facing barriers such as language, disability, trauma, or cost. Offers full legal representation for qualifying cases, family law advice clinics, court accompaniment, help with court forms and affidavits, and legal education workshops. Free. Call the crisis and intake line to ask about services.
For Women
Shelter Movers Vancouver
Free moving and storage help for survivors of gender-based violence and their families who need to safely leave an abusive home. Can also help survivors go back to gather belongings they could not take during an urgent exit, and can arrange security escorts, police escorts, interpretation, and pet relocation. Referral required from a partner agency such as a shelter, transition house, community agency, counsellor, or police victim services unit. Does not take requests directly from clients. Needs one to two weeks notice before the move date. Serves Vancouver and other Lower Mainland municipalities including Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, and the North Shore.
For Women
BC Hydro Power Outage
BC Hydro’s outage map shows current power outages across BC, including affected areas and estimated restoration times. Check the map by address, or call 1-800-224-9376 (1-800-BCHYDRO) any time to report an outage that is not already listed. For downed power lines or other hazards, call 911.
BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA)
Counselling and victim services for male-identifying survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault, or intimate partner violence anywhere in BC, and for their family members. Counselling fees are on a sliding scale, including lower-cost sessions with supervised practicum clinicians, plus weekly group therapy at 50 dollars a session (sliding scale available). Victim services staff can report an assault to police on a survivors behalf so they stay anonymous, and offer safety planning and referrals. Counselling is in person in Vancouver, or by phone and telehealth elsewhere in BC. Call 604-682-6482, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline
National hotline for anyone experiencing human trafficking, or who suspects someone else is being trafficked, anywhere in Canada. Trained responders give crisis support and safety planning, plus referrals to victim services, police, transition houses, and long-term supports. Calls are answered in English and French, with live interpretation available in over 200 other languages including 27 Indigenous languages. Call 1-833-900-1010 or use the English or French chat on the website, available 24 hours a day, every day.
Help in these languages:- English
- Français French
- Multilingual Many Languages (Interpreters)
Consumer Protection BC
Handles complaints about scams, fraud, and unfair business practices by businesses operating in BC. File a complaint or get information about consumer rights online or by phone. Calls to 1-888-564-9963 go to voicemail, since calls are not answered live, and a callback can take a few days. Phone lines run Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Offices are not open to the public.
Strathcona Community Policing Centre
Neighbourhood policing resource centre serving the Strathcona community. Walk in for help with everyday safety concerns: filing reports for lost property or theft, free bicycle (529) registration, safety information, and referrals to other services. Free and run by trained volunteers in partnership with the Vancouver Police Department, no appointment needed. For an emergency call 911. On Mondays the centre is closed but still reachable by phone and email.
Victim Court Support Program – Downtown Community Court
Free support for victims and witnesses with a case at Downtown Community Court in Vancouver. A caseworker can explain the court process, give case and hearing updates, go with a person to court, help fill out victim impact statement forms, and connect them to other community services. Self-referral or referral through police, Crown counsel or VictimLinkBC. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm. Call ahead to connect with a caseworker.
Victim Court Support Program – Vancouver Provincial Court
Free support for victims and witnesses with a case at Vancouver Provincial Court (222 Main Street). A caseworker can explain the court process, give case and hearing updates, go with a person to court, help fill out forms, and connect them to other community services. Self-referral or referral through police, Crown counsel or VictimLinkBC. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm. Call ahead to connect with a caseworker.
Victim Safety Unit (VSU) – Notification and Information Services
Lets victims of crime register to receive updates about an accused or offender going through the BC court system or serving a provincial sentence, such as court dates, release information and conditions they must follow. For anyone with safety concerns, especially in high-risk cases like sexual assault, robbery or family violence. Apply online, by phone, mail, fax or email at no cost. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
West End-Coal Harbour Community Policing Centre (WECHCPC)
Neighbourhood policing resource centre for the West End and Coal Harbour, run by volunteers in partnership with the Vancouver Police Department. Walk in for crime prevention information, help filing a police report, and local safety resources. The centre does not take emergency calls. Free, no appointment needed. For an emergency call 911, or the non-emergency police line (604-717-3321) outside these hours.
Christian Advocacy Society of Greater Vancouver
Network of crisis support programs for women in Metro Vancouver, run from a faith-based agency in Burnaby. Covers domestic abuse, sexual assault, and unplanned pregnancy, including a safe house and a maternity home. Peer counselling and in-person support are free of charge. Call the main office to be connected to the right program.
For Women
Sakeenah Canada
National organization offering free, culturally and religiously sensitive support to Muslim women and families facing violence, homelessness, or poverty, though no one is turned away regardless of background. A caseworker and a counsellor work with each client on housing, including emergency hotel placement and long-term options, safety planning, legal referrals, mental health, and other essentials. Service is remote, by phone, in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Punjabi, Farsi, Dari, and Gujarati. Call the 24/7 hotline to get started.
For WomenHelp in these languages:- English
- ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Punjabi
- فارسی Farsi
- हिन्दी Hindi
- Français French
- العربية Arabic
- اردو Urdu
- دری Dari
- ગુજરાતી Gujarati
YWCA Crabtree Corner
Community and resource centre for women and families in the Downtown Eastside.
Services & Programs (2)
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One-to-one support from YWCA Crabtree Corner for women and femmes in Vancouver who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse in an intimate relationship, including with a partner, parent, or caregiver. Support includes emotional support, safety planning, help finding affordable housing, income assistance navigation, help with the legal system, and accompaniment to court and other appointments. Free. Call or email to connect with a support worker, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 3:30pm.For Women
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Free nutritious breakfast and lunch, five days a week, for women and their families in the Downtown Eastside. Breakfast runs 9 to 10am and lunch 1 to 2pm, Monday to Friday, no lunch served on income assistance days. Walk in during meal hours, no referral needed. Run by YWCA Metro Vancouver.
Spirit Lodge Transition House – Domestic Violence Shelter
First-stage transition house for Indigenous women, with or without children, fleeing domestic violence or at risk of abuse. Provides a safe place to stay for up to 30 days, meals, clothing, counselling referrals, and help with housing applications and safety planning. Residents must be substance-free for 96 hours before admission, though people on documented substitution therapy may be accepted. No ID required and no cost. Wheelchair accessible. Call the 24/7 intake line to ask about space.
For Women
Better Business Bureau of Mainland BC (BBB)
Nonprofit organization that helps people check whether a business can be trusted before dealing with it. Look up business reviews and complaint history, or use BBB Scam Tracker to report or search for a suspected scam. Also offers free dispute resolution between a consumer and a business. Call to get started, the Vancouver office sees visitors by appointment only.
Downtown Community Policing Centre
Volunteer-run community policing office for downtown Vancouver, working with the Vancouver Police Department. Formerly the Granville Downtown South CPC, it moved to Homer Street. Provides a place to report non-emergency crime, get information on crime prevention and personal safety, and hand in found property. Walk in during office hours or call ahead.
Grandview-Woodland Community Policing Centre
Volunteer-run community policing office for the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, working with the Vancouver Police Department. Provides a place to report non-emergency crime, get information on crime prevention and personal safety, and connect with community patrols and outreach programs. Walk in during office hours or call ahead.
Kitsilano Fairview Community Policing Centre
Volunteer-run community policing office for the Kitsilano and Fairview neighbourhoods, working with the Vancouver Police Department. Provides a place to report non-emergency crime, get information on crime prevention and personal safety, and hand in found property. Walk in during office hours or call ahead. Closed weekends and holidays.
Native Education College
Indigenous-led post-secondary institution in Mount Pleasant offering adult upgrading, trades and career training, and certificate or diploma programs such as Health Care Assistant, Indigenous Early Childhood Education, and Indigenous Justice Studies. Open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous adult learners, including seniors returning to education. Financial aid and bursaries are available. Call 604-873-3772 or visit Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, for admissions help.
Services & Programs (1)
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Free counselling at NEC Native Education College, open to Indigenous community members in the Vancouver Coastal Health region as well as students. Covers personal counselling, support for survivors of family violence and sexual abuse, referrals to community programs and emergency housing, and advocacy. Call the main NEC line or use the contact on the counselling page to book an appointment.
Victim Safety Unit (VSU) – Victim Travel Fund
Helps cover travel costs - transportation, meals and a place to stay - for a victim, witness or support person who must travel more than 100km within BC to attend a court proceeding. Covers expenses not already paid by Crown counsel, the Crime Victim Assistance Program or another source, up to a set limit. Apply before the proceeding, by phone or online, or ask VictimLinkBC to help with the application. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm.
Problem Gambling Helpline
Free, confidential helpline for anyone affected by gambling problems, including family members. Trained staff offer counselling and referrals to treatment and support services. Available by phone 24/7, with support in more than 200 languages.
Legal Advocacy Program (LAP) – Seniors First BC
Free legal help from Seniors First BC for people 55 and older dealing with residential tenancy or housing problems, debt, or pension and benefit issues. Income must generally be under $45,000 a year for a single person, plus $20,000 per additional household member, though exceptions are considered. Call the Seniors Abuse and Information Line at 604-437-1940 or 1-866-437-1940, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, to request a consultation, expect a reply from a legal advocate within about three weeks unless the matter is urgent.