Community Victim Services - Nanaimo and Oceanside
Serving women, children, youth and family survivors of sexual abuse/assault, criminal harassment and relationship or dating abuse/assault.
What is Community Victim Services?
Justice-Related Services
Community Victim Services provides justice-related support services, information and emotional support for individuals and/or families who are survivors of abuse and violence including sexual assault. We may be able to provide accompaniment for justice-related appointments with things such as the RCMP, Crown, or to the hospital.
Drop-in/Brief Support and Intake
For safety and needs assessment, information or referral. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 to 3pm
Family Court Support
A Community Victim Services worker is available Tuesday mornings at Family Court to provide information and support for women who have experienced abuse and violence in their family relationships and are now engaged in the court process.
Why Victim Services in the Community?
Much physical and sexual abuse is unreported. People need a place to talk about relationship violence, abuse and sexual assault where the focus is not on the criminal justice system. Survivors may want to be informed and consider options before contacting the police or any other formal system.
People who experience abuse also need a place to be uncertain, to consider all aspects of their situation and to take some time before acting. Uncertainty is normal; these situations are complex and take time to sort out. Planning for safety and assessing risk is ongoing and varies over time. Abuse is often part of a pattern and can be more than a single incident or crisis point. Ongoing support can be very helpful.
What can Community Victim Services do?
• Meet with clients within a few business days
• Provide risk assessment and safety planning, resource and referral information
• Provide emotional support on the phone or in person
• Help explore decisions and strategies for coping with trauma
• Provide court information, orientation and accompaniment when possible
• Help with Crime Victim Assistance Applications, Victim Impact Statement and other forms
To contact Haven Community Victim Services
In Nanaimo
Phone: 250-756-2452
Fax: 250-756-2414
Email: haven@havensociety.com
Drop-in on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1 - 3 p.m.
In Oceanside Area
Phone: 250-248-3500
Fax: 250-248-3590
Email: havenvs@telus.net
If you are in crisis please call the Haven Society 24 Hour Crisis Line
250-756-0616
