Gender-Based Violence Supports + Services
Gender-Based violence is a serious violation of human rights. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) includes any harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, abuse of power and harmful norms. It can include violence by an intimate partner or ex-partner that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm, including physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse and controlling behaviors.
Everyone has the right to safety and security including freedom from violence and discrimination. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, there are many services and programs at ICA and in our community that can help you find support. Including:
- Settlement workers who can help you find support
- In-house counselling with trained counsellors to listen
- Programs to help process, build connections and boost confidence
To find out more, please speak to your settlement worker or contact our Gender Equity and Sexual Diversity Coordinator:
LGBTQI2S+ Services
ICA can help you navigate the services and supports you need with social programs, one-on-one supports, navigating immigration, healthcare and employment. ICA has many services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender-diverse newcomers and refugees.
Contact Us
Robin McGeough, Gender Equity & Sexual Diversity Coordinator
Email: rmcgeough@icavictoria.org
Phone: 250.388.4728 Ext. 2123
Crisis Support
Crisis and Victim Services
- Provides emotional support and information to people of all genders directly or indirectly affected by sexual assault or childhood sexual abuse. They also facilitate hospital and/or police accompaniment for recent sexual assault survivors.
- Accepts calls from all ages, all genders
- All services are free
- 24-hour crisis line
- Access to translation services
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
Phone: 1.888.494.3888
VictimLink BC
- For victims of a crime to get help navigating support
- In 150 languages, staff can connect you to a network of community, social, health, justice, and government resources, including victim services, transition houses and counselling resources.
- Multilingual services offered
Phone: 1.800.563.0808
Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC)
- Emergency Sexual Assault Response Team with 24/7 emergency support for anyone who has been assaulted in the last 7 days. Available for all genders age 13+. Can support over the phone or attend the hospital or police station with a survivor if an exam or police report is needed.
Vancouver Island Crisis Line
Phone: 1.888.494.3888
Housing Resources
Victoria Women’s Transition House Society
- The Shelter provides safe, supportive accommodation for up to 30 days for women (cisgender and transgender) and non-binary and two-spirit people who identify as part of the women’s community, with or without children.
- English services offered. Translation support needed.
Phone: 250-385-6611
Cridge Transition House for Women – Emergency Shelter
- The Cridge Transition House for Women provides emergency shelter for women and children fleeing abuse. Services include safety planning, long-term housing and child care.
- English services offered. Translation support needed.
Phone: 250.479.3963 (24 ⁄ 7)
Cridge Transition House Website
BC 211
- An anonymous phone line to help connect people to community, health and government resources for help, where and when they need it. Call to ask about shelters and they will give you an update of the available beds. Services include emergency crisis, mental health, food, victim services, financial support, legal support.
- Multilingual services offered
Phone: 211
Counselling + Legal Services
Support Network for Immigrant Women and Women of Colour (SNIWWOC)
- Free therapy for low income BIPOC women. Provide women of colour with information on navigating the healthcare system.
- Multilingual services offered
Phone: 250-277-2545
VICCIR (Vancouver Island Counseling Centre for Immigrants and Refugees
- VICCIR provides mental health counseling to immigrants and refugees living in Canada.
- Multilingual services offered
- 850 Blanshard St # 100, Victoria, BC V8W 2H2
Phone: 778.404.1777
The Victoria Women’s Transition House Society (VWTH) – Referrals
- Individual and group counselling for women who are currently experiencing intimate partner violence and abuse or who have experienced this in the past.
- English services. Translation support needed.
Phone: 250-385-6611
Victoria Sexual Assault Centre – Individual and Group Counselling
- Crisis support and trauma counselling, as well as group counselling sessions for all women, [Trans], Two-Spirit and Gender Non-Conforming people.Support is also available for family and friends of survivors.
- English services. Translation support needed.
Phone: 250.385.3232
Immigration and Domestic Violence Support
- If your partner is abusive, you can still stay in Canada.
- You will not be kicked out if you leave.
- Learn more about how to get help and apply for a temporary resident permit.
Family Legal Advocacy Project – Victoria Women’s Transition House
- Direct, specialized front-line family law support, advocacy and education for VWTH clients, survivors of domestic violence and abuse.
- Multilingual services offered
Phone: 250.385.6611
Transition House Legal Advocacy Website
Court Support Program – Greater Victoria Police Regional Domestic Violence Unit
- This program provides a variety of services, including court orientations, accompaniment to meetings with Crown Counsel and/or court dates, witness preparation, helping victims understand the criminal justice system’s terminology and processes, supporting victims with Victim Impact Statements, helping with registration to the Victim Safety Unit and keeping the victim updated throughout the court process.
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- Multilingual services offered
Phone: 250.995.7351
(Business Hours Only)
Legal Aid
- Legal Aid is a free service for people with low income to get legal information, advice and representation on immigration, domestic violence and other cases.
Phone: 1-866-577-2525
Immigrant Welcome Centre
From housing and education to employment services, ICA’s Settlement Services team can help newcomers navigate and connect with important resources and support.
Racial Justice
We have to speak out against systemic racism and discrimination and move from being non-racist to anti-racist. We need to make commitments and take clear actions against racism.
Learn English (LINC)
Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) provides English language training from beginner to advanced levels for adult newcomers to Canada. LINC is funded by the Government of Canada and is FREE for eligible students.