First Steps If You Are a Victim of Crime

If you are a victim of crime, the first step you need to take is to ensure you and your loved ones are in no immediate danger. Then report the crime to police. The safety of you and your loved ones is your first priority.

Whether or not police are involved, you can get help from victim services and other agencies. If you are unsure about reporting the crime to police, you may find talking with a victim service worker helps you make this decision.

Ensuring Your Immediate Safety

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 immediately. If your community does not have 911 services, the local police emergency number can be found on the inside front cover of your phone book under emergency numbers.

Your safety and the safety of your loved ones are the main concern. You may need to take immediate action, like calling police or leaving the house or area where the crime took place.

Support Available From Police and Victim Services Workers

If you would like 24 hour information, support or referral to a local victim service worker, please call VictimLinkBC.

It is understandable you may still fear for your or a loved one’s safety, even when you are no longer in immediate danger. You should let police know if you are afraid the person who harmed you will hurt you again or if the person has threatened you or your family.

If at any time you are concerned about your or someone else's safety, please call the police:

• For emergencies call 911. If your community does not have 911 services, the local police emergency number can be found on the inside front cover of your phone book under emergency numbers.
• For non-emergencies call your local police.

Young Person and Child Safety

You have a legal obligation to report situations where a child or young person (under 19) needs protection. You must report the matter to the Ministry of Children and Family Development.

For more information and to receive help in making a report concerning a child or young person who needs protection, please call the Helpline for Children.