Coquitlam RCMP has listed a series of services victims of domestic and gender-based violence can turn to, believing support should be easily accessible in a time of crisis.
It's Prevention of Violence against Women week in B.C. — April 16 to 22.
As such, the local detachment said it's recognizing the impacts of harmful acts directed to an individual based on gender by offering several avenues a victim can utilize.
Contact information for Tri-Cities victim services can be found below.
By the numbers
According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, B.C. experienced a 19 per cent increase in known reports of intimate partner violence between in 2019.
That was the second largest of any other province or territory that year with New Brunswick recording a 25 per cent uptick.
Nation-wide, at six per cent, that was Canada's fifth consecutive increase in intimate partner violence
Broken down, three in 10 victims — 107,810 Canadians in total — in police-reported incidents were violently traumatized by an intimate partner, with more than half (53%) identifying as female.
"While anyone can be affected by gender-based violence, statistics indicate that women are more likely to experience it," said Coquitlam RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Alexa Hodgins in a news release.
"Women in Canada continue to experience an increased level of intimate partner violence.
"Intimate partner violence affects people from all demographic and socioeconomic backgrounds; however, victims are most often women and the violence is commonly perpetrated by men."
Victim services
Coquitlam RCMP has a victim services unit that provide free 24/7 support to victims of crime and trauma.
Representatives can typically be seen on scene helping those in need find comfort and emotional intervention, as well as confidential referrals and safety planning.
Hodgins explained the team "regularly" supports victims of gender-based violence.
"Coquitlam RCMP's front-line officers respond to calls around the clock and often work hand-in-hand with our victim services unit, ensuring that victims in crisis have the support they or their loved ones may need."
- Phone: 604-945-1585
- Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Public encouraged to call 911 if they believe there's immediate concern for a loved one's or their own safety
- Website: Coquitlam RCMP
Other agencies
Tri-City Transitions
- Phone: 604-941-7111
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- 24-hour line: 604-492-1700
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Tri-City Transitions
Vancouver and Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Society (VLMFSS)
- Phone: 604-436-1025
- Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Out of area: 1-888-436-1025
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: VLMFSS
More than 20 languages available, including:
- Arabic, Chinese, Cantonese, Dari, English, Farsi, Fijian, Hindi, Ilokano, Korean, Mandarin, Pashto, Polish, Punjabi, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Telugu
Court Services Online (CSO)
- Website: CSO - (gov.bc.ca)
- 24/7 services
VictimLinkBC
- Phone: 1-800-563-0808
- 24/7 services
- E-mail: [email protected]
- Website: VictimLinkBC - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
