DOMESTIC VIOLENCE and CHILD ABUSE
The New Westminster Police Service stresses that Domestic Violence is “CRIMINAL CONDUCT” and that Domestic Violence applies to a range of criminal activities from Harassing phone calls or Mischief to Aggravated assault. No matter which form it takes, the dynamics of abuse are the same.
Definition
Domestic violence is the physical or sexual assault, or the threat of same, between two people who are currently or were previously involved in an ongoing or intimate relationship. Regardless of whether or not they are legally married or living together at the time of the assault or threat and regardless of the sex of the parties, intimidation, mental or emotional abuse, financial exploitation, stalking, and harassment are part of the continuum of violence.Attorney General policy on “Violence Against Women In Relationships” (VAWIR)
www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/victim_services/publications/policy/vawir.pdfDomestic Violence Response Team (DVRT)
The Domestic Violence Response Team is a partnership program between Family Services of Greater Vancouver and the New Westminster Police Service. The team is made up of a counselor and a Major Crime Detective to provide rapid follow-up on the most severe, high-risk and chronic situations of domestic violence reported to police.Also assigned to the DVRT is a Major Crime Detective, trained in the investigation of child abuse and historical sexual abuse.
Contacts
Police Emergency Phone 9-1-1Police Non-Emergency Phone 604-525-5411
Domestic Violence Response Team 604-529-2467 or at info@nwpolice.org
Victim Assistance Unit (VAU) New Westminster Police Service
The New Westminster Police Service Victim Assistance Unit provides crisis response, emotional support, information, practical assistance and referrals to all victims of crime and their families. The Unit is available 24-hours a day, seven days per week. Referrals come from police and community agencies. Individuals requesting assistance can contact the service directly.Call 604-529-2525 or VAU@nwpolice.org
VictimLink
For victims of any kind of crime. Call toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.1-800-563-0808.
Family Services of Greater Vancouver
Burnaby/New Westminster Community-Based Victim Services
Providing support and guidance to adults who have been victims of intimate relationship abuse, sexual abuse and historical abuse in Burnaby and New Westminster—regardless of whether or not the police have been contacted.
Call 604.525.9144.
www.fsgv.ca
Cameray Child and Youth Victim Support Services
Provides support and advocacy for children and youth 18 years of age and under who have been physically or sexually abused, and who need to testify in court. Referrals from any source.New Westminster office: 604-520-0009. Burnaby office: 604.436.9449
www.cameray.ca
Vancouver & Lower Mainland Multicultural Family Support Services Specialized Victim Assistance Program
Provides services for victims of crimes against multicultural women.Call: 604.436.1025
www.vlmfss.ca
Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) - New Westminster
Provides child protection and family services, child and youth mental health, and youth probation.Call: 604-660-9495.
New Westminster-Children Who Witness Abuse
This program provides group and individual counselling to children who have been affected by witnessing the abuse of their mothers or caregivers.Call: 604-522-3722
New Westminster and Richmond Family Justice Centres
This web site provides general information about a number of issues of interest to BC couples who have separated or who are about to separate. It may also be useful for guardians and other family members, such as grandparents, who may be involved in making important decisions about the family and its future.www.ag.gov.bc.ca/family-justice/index.htm
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