Gender-based violence, sexual assault, and domestic violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is committed against someone based on their gender identity, gender expression, or perceived gender. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual in nature. GBV disproportionately impacts women and girls, Indigenous peoples, and other diverse populations. 

Indigenous women and girls face increased vulnerability to GBV as a result of specific barriers to safety; they report experiencing violent victimizations at a rate 2.7 times higher than that reported by non-Indigenous women and girls.

Resources

Where to Get Help

• VictimLink BC
• Youth Against Violence Line
• SAIL - Seniors Abuse and Information Line
• Victim Services & Violence Against Women Program Directory
• Ending Violence Association of BC Program Directory
• BC Society of Transition Houses Program Directory
• Police Victim Services of British Columbia Program Directory
• Indigenous Organizations & Services Directory
• BC Housing for Women Fleeing Violence
• Crime Victim Assistance Program
• Victim Safety Unit

How to Help

• What Bystanders Can Do
• Coming Forward If You Witnessed A Crime
• Family Member or Friend of a Victim
• How Can I Help My Friend?
• Reporting Child Abuse in BC

Information and Other Resources

• Am I safe?
• Are you being abused?
• Are you experiencing abuse?
• Creating a Safety Plan
• Types of Violence and Abuse
• Dispelling Myths About Sexual Assault
• Third Party Reporting for Victims of Sexual Offences
• BC Association of Friendship Centres
• Moose Hide Campaign
• FREDA Centre for Research on Violence Against Women and Children
• Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative
• Resources for LGBTQ2S and non-binary survivors of violence
• Disability Alliance of BC’s Anti-Violence Help Sheets to help People with Disabilities
• Knowledge Exchange Toolkit