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What to do if you're in immediate danger

Last updated on December 2, 2025

If you’re in immediate danger – dial 911 to call the police right away.

You might feel scared to call the police because:  

  • You think they won’t believe you 
  • You have a criminal record 
  • You’re scared of the police  
  • You fear your children might be taken away 
  • You’re afraid your partner will hurt you more 
  • You rely on your partner for money, housing, or immigration status

Remember, it is a crime for anyone, including your partner, to:

  • Assault you or your children
  • Harass or stalk you
  • Threaten you with bodily harm
  • Damage your property

If you are afraid of your partner or another family member and think you or your children are in immediate danger, call the police immediately. You have the right to feel safe and to expect help from the police.  

Help your children know how to get help, too. 

If they’re old enough, teach your children how to call 911 in an emergency. Make sure they know: 

  • How to dial 911 and speak to the operator
  • Their full name, home address, and phone number 
  • How to describe what’s happening (for example, “my mom is hurt,” or “someone is fighting”) 
  • That it’s okay to call 911 if they feel unsafe or someone is getting hurt

Practicing this in a calm and supportive way can help them feel confident and prepared if they ever need to act.

Once the police have talked to you, they will decide if there is enough evidence to prove your partner or other family member has committed a crime. 

  • If there is enough evidence, the police will consider arresting your partner. They will ask the Crown counsel (a lawyer employed by the government) to lay a criminal charge. If the Crown approves the charge, your partner will have to go to court 
  • If there is not enough evidence, or if the Crown decides not to proceed with charges, the police may apply for a peace bond. A peace bond is also called an “810 recognizance”, and can protect you from your partner or other family member. Or, police may recommend you apply for a protection order

The police may:

  • Refer you to a local victim services program or VictimLinkBC 
  • Take you to a transition house or safe home in your area, if there is one. Or you can ask them to take you to another safe place – such as the home of a relative or a friend
  • If it is safe to stay in your home, you can consider asking the police to have your partner removed

For more information on how to keep yourself and your family safe, check out Getting support and safety planning.

Access free family justice services in person or virtually at Family Justice Centres and Justice Access Centres.

  • Staff across B.C. can help you understand your options during separation or divorce. They can talk with you and assess your needs, and provide information about:
    • Parenting arrangements
    • Guardianship
    • Child and spousal support
    • Contact with a child
    • Property division respecting a companion animal 
  • To find the location nearest you, see the list of Family Justice Centre locations

Take a free Parenting After Separation course.

Find more family law information and legal help:

  • Visit Clicklaw for practical legal information and organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services in B.C.
  • Visit the Justice Education Society’s Family Law in BC website for information on Separation and Divorce and other family law issues
  • Contact the BC Legal Referral Service (formerly the Lawyer Referral Service) to consult a lawyer for free
  • Visit Legal Aid BC which offers free legal help for B.C. residents

In a joint divorce, you and your spouse apply together for a simple, uncontested divorce. You both agree on all family law issues that affect your family and only need to apply for a divorce order.

Apply for a joint divorce

B.C. has a central authority that helps parents when someone takes their children to another country without permission. For details and contact information visit the International child abduction page.