Community Victim Services supports all ages and genders of people who have experienced: 

• Intimate partner violence and abuse 
• Sexual assault and exploitation 
• Criminal harassment 
• Child abuse or assault, whether physical or sexual 
• Childhood abuse as an adult survivor 

All services are confidential and free of charge. 

Community Victim Services offers support, resources, and safety planning, along with guidance to help you understand your rights and navigate the criminal justice system. You don’t need to have decided whether to report. You are welcome to talk it through with us. Support is available one-to-one, in person, by phone or virtually, and can range from a single conversation or referral to as much as full criminal court accompaniment. We can also connect you with other resources for longer-term needs.

• Support, information and referrals to other programs and services 
• Information and assistance navigating the criminal justice system 
• Support and preparation for the criminal court process  
• Criminal Court accompaniment (dependent on staff availability) 
• Identification of risk indicators and safety planning 
• Information about your rights under the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA)  
• Information on the dynamics and impacts of abuse 
• Information and assistance to complete justice related forms (Crime Victim Assistance Program, Victim Impact Statements and Victim Safety Unit Applications) 
• Assistance and information about third-party reports, which allow adult survivors of sexual assault to report to police anonymously (more info)

You can access this program if you live in the Nanaimo or Oceanside region, or if the offence occurred in these communities. 

We accept referrals from all sources, including self-referrals. Our services are voluntary and do not require a police report or involvement in the justice system. 

Education and Community Awareness 

We respond to community requests for public education on sexual assault, family violence, and victim services, helping build awareness across Nanaimo and Oceanside. 

Third Party Reporting for Victims of Sexual offences. Third party reporting is when someone else reports the crime to the police. It allows victims (age 19+) who do not want to report the crime directly to ensure police receive a report about the crime.  Further info Ending Violence Association of BC. 

The Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) provides a range of benefits to assist victims, immediate family members of victims and certain witnesses in coping with the effects of violent crime that occurs in British Columbia, where same or similar benefits are not available from another source.  Applications. 

 A Victim Impact Statement is a written account of how a crime has affected you. For further information: Victim Impact Guide 

Victim Notification – The Victim Safety Unit provides victims with information about the accused or offender. Once you register, the unit gives ongoing information to victims while an accused or offender is in the community (on bail or probation) and in custody. Webform.

Getting Help from the Police if you are in danger from an abusive partner and you want help from the police.  

If you are a victim of a crime in BC Learn more about services and resources available. 

Information on Protection Orders. There are two main types of protection orders in BC. Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders.  

Rise Women’s Legal Centre Seeking a Peace Bond: A guide 

Nanaimo Justice Access Centre staff are available to assist with issues related to separation or divorce.  

Legal Aid – Family Law Centre. If you are a survivor of family violence and cannot afford legal representation you might be eligible for Family Law Services. For additional information on free legal help for family law issues see Legal Aid BC 

Family Law Protection Orders – how to apply 

Other Legal Help Resources: 

Clicklaw 

Family Law in BC 

JP Boyd on Family Law 

Access Pro Bono Society of BC 

Rise Women’s Legal Centre 

Unbundled Legal Services 

Intimate Images Protection Services: Having your private images shared without your consent can happen quickly and have serious impacts. The Intimate Images Protection Service provides coordinated support to people in B.C. who have had someone share (or threaten to share) their intimate images without their consent.