The Best Option for You
Keeping Your Family Safe
How can I protect myself and my children during my separation or divorce?
If you are in immediate danger
If you are afraid of your spouse and think you or your children are in immediate danger, call the police right away.
You have the right to feel safe and to expect help from the police. It is their job.
You can ask the police about getting a protection order for you and your children. If there is a Transition House or safe home in your area, you can also ask the police to take you there, or to another safe place - such as a relative's or friend's house. The police can also refer you to a local Victim Services office where staff will work with you to develop a personal safety plan.
If you are not in immediate danger
If you are afraid for your safety or the safety of your children, but you are not in immediate danger, call VictimLINK at 1-800-563-0808 (TTY: 604-875-0885. The line is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. VictimLINK provides confidential service in all of the major languages spoken in British Columbia.
Through the VictimLINK, you will be referred to a Victim Services worker in your community, who can tell you about how to get a protection order while you are going through the process of separation or divorce, and refer you to other community resources as needed.
A Family Justice Counsellor can also tell you about protection orders, and you may want to see a lawyer for legal advice.
Please note:
If you have a speech or hearing impairment, you can contact the police or VictimLINK by calling the 24-hour BC Tel Message Relay Centre at 711 (TTY/VCO telephone) or
1-800-855-0511(regular telephone).
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