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Victim Services - criminal justice system

Last updated on June 3, 2021

Anyone who has been a victim of crime in British Columbia, their family members and witnesses can use victim services.

Services include:

  • Help understanding and dealing with the effects of a crime
  • Emotional support
  • Referrals to other community agencies that can help
  • Help understanding what happens in court and providing support and guidance through the court process
  • Help accessing information about and applying for financial benefits, if eligible

Police-based victim services operate out of police departments. They provide services to victims of all crimes.

Community-based victim services usually operate out of community agencies. They mostly provide services to victims of family and sexual violence. You do not have to report to the police to access community-based victim services.

To find out what services are available call VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808.

VictimLink BC is a toll-free, confidential telephone service available across B.C. and Yukon 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. VictimLink BC provides service in over 110 languages, including 17 North American Indigenous languages.

Visit Victim Help and Support for more information.

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