Empowerment and Advocacy

Advocacy Organizations

Survivors of Domestic Violence (DV)

• Battered Women's Support Services (BWSS)
  Location: Vancouver
  Services: Provides crisis support, safety planning, and advocacy for women experiencing domestic violence. They offer legal advocacy, emotional support, and community education to empower survivors.
  Contact: 604-687-1867
  Website: BWSS

• Vancouver Women's Health Collective (VWHC)
  Location: Vancouver
  Services: Focuses on women's health and provides support for women survivors of violence. They offer counseling and advocacy services.
  Contact: 604-736-5262
  Website: VWHC

Survivors of Sexual Assault (SA)

• Vancouver Rape Relief & Women's Shelter
  Location: Vancouver
  Services: Offers support for women who have experienced sexual assault, including crisis support, counseling, and advocacy. They focus on empowering survivors and providing community education.
  Contact: 604-872-8212
  Website: Vancouver Rape Relief

• Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
  Location: BC (services available in Vancouver)
  Services: Provides emotional support, advocacy, and resources for survivors of sexual violence. They offer 24/7 support and work to empower survivors through counseling and workshops.
  Contact: 1-877-392-7583
  Website: Salal

Legal Resources

Legal Aid BC
Location: Available throughout BC
Services: Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals. Services include help with family law, child protection, and domestic violence matters.
Contact: 1-866-577-2525
Website: Legal Aid BC

BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse
Location: Vancouver
Services: Provides support and advocacy for male survivors of sexual abuse, including legal resources and community outreach.
Contact: 604-687-1867 (BWSS)
Website: BC Society for Male Survivors

Phone Legal Consultation Services

• Lawyer Referral Service (LRS)
  Location: Canada-wide (access through local bar associations)
  Services: Provides a referral to a lawyer for a half-hour consultation at a reduced fee. This can help individuals understand their legal rights and options.
  Contact: 1-800-668-8900
  Website: Lawyer Referral Service

Obtaining a Court Advocate

• Victim Assistance Program (VAP)
  Location: Vancouver Police Department
  Services: Offers assistance for victims of crime, including access to court advocates who can help navigate the legal system.
  Contact: 604-717-2726
  Website: Vancouver Police VAP