Get help
You don’t have to know what to call it, and you don’t have to report anything to reach out. These lines are free and confidential.
BC & Yukon · 24/7
VictimLinkBC
1-800-563-0808
Call or text. Crisis support and referrals in 150+ languages.
Canada · 24/7
Salal Sexual Violence Support Centre
1-877-392-7583
Formerly WAVAW. Lower Mainland: 604-255-6344. Hospital accompaniment available.
Under 18 · 24/7
Kids Help Phone
1-800-668-6868
Phone, text and chat for young people anywhere in Canada.
United States · 24/7
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-4673
Run by RAINN. Connects you to a local centre.
Which of these feels closest?
First: what happened is not your fault. You don’t have to decide everything right now.
1 · Get somewhere safeIf you’re in danger or hurt, call 911. If you’re safe, it’s okay to sit for a moment and breathe.
2 · Consider medical careA hospital can check for injuries, offer medication to prevent pregnancy and infections, and (only if you want) collect evidence without you having to report to police. A crisis line can send someone to go with you.
3 · Talk it throughCall VictimLinkBC or Salal. They’ll explain your options, including reporting, at your pace.
4 · Write down what you remember, when you canTimes, places, messages. Keep texts and screenshots. You don’t have to use them; it just keeps options open.
There is no deadline on healing, and no “too late” to ask for help.
Not sure where to start?Call VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 and they’ll point you to the nearest free service, or search the EVA BC directory of every sexual assault service in BC.
CounsellingSalal Sexual Violence Support Centre offers free individual counselling for women, Two-Spirit, trans and non-binary survivors aged 14 and up, plus an Indigenous Support Program. Call 604-255-6344.
Support groupsBeing in a room (or a call) with people who understand. Salal runs free support circles. For groups near you, ask VictimLinkBC or search the EVA BC directory.
Help paying for counsellingBC’s Crime Victim Assistance Program can cover counselling costs. For sexual offences you can apply at any time, and charges don’t need to have been laid. Call 1-866-660-3888.
Reporting laterIn Canada there is no time limit on reporting sexual assault to police. A support worker can go with you.If you’re an adult and not ready to speak to police directly, you can also make an anonymous Third Party Report through a community victim service. VictimLinkBC can connect you, or read about your options at Ending Violence BC.
That they told you means they trust you. You don’t need perfect words.
Say“I believe you.” “It’s not your fault.” “What do you need right now?”
AvoidAsking why they were there, what they were wearing, or why they didn’t report. Don’t push them to do anything. Let them lead.
Look after yourself tooCrisis lines take calls from friends and family as well. Hearing this is hard, and you’re allowed to need support.
Phone numbers last checked October 11, 2026. If a number doesn’t work, please let us know.