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Family Violence Initiative

For Victims of Family Violence

9-1-1 Emergency Services

In an emergency, press 9-1-1 on a telephone in any city in Canada and you will be connected immediately to the police, fire department or ambulance service. The system automatically tells the person answering the phone where you are (unless you are using a cell phone). You don't have to say anything. The person who answers your call will send the police, fire or ambulance service to where you are immediately.

If you are using a cell phone, you must tell the person who answers your call where you are.

Information for Victims of Family Violence

If you're looking for resources to help yourself or a victim of family violence cope or get help, you may find some of the information in Public Legal Information and Education helpful. There is information about making a safety plan and finding resources in your community in Abuse is Wrong in Any Language and Stalking is a crime called criminal harassment. (These publications cannot help you in an emergency or give you legal advice.)

Cover your Tracks

When using a computer to find information on family violence, remember that other people who have access to the computer may be able to “track” your computer use. For information on safe computer use, do a Web search on “cover your tracks” and/or “cyberstalking.” When in doubt, try to find a computer that your abuser will not check, such as one at a public library or shelter for women.

Provincial and Territorial Resources for Victims

You'll find many resources available in your province or territory that may be helpful at relevant provincial and territorial sites.

Emergency Shelters

Most cities and towns have safe places where you can go right away if you have nowhere to live or if you are in danger and need a safe place to stay. You can find the telephone number in the telephone book or at the library or you can get it from the police.

Doctor and Hospital Care

If you are sick, you can go to a doctor's office or hospital. In some cities, there are health clinics where you can get medical care without answering any questions about who you are or what work you do.

Community Help

Many groups in Canada help people in trouble. There are rape crisis services, houses for abused women, organizations for newcomers to Canada, legal clinics for people who cannot afford a lawyer, special services for victims of crime, and religious groups that provide many different support services. There may be people who have things in common with you who get together to support and help each other. You can find out how to reach these groups at a community centre, at a public library, in the phone book or by asking people.