VICTIM SERVICES

Island Health (Vancouver Island Health Authority) provides victim services primarily through medical and forensic programs at hospitals and specialized clinics. Similar to other BC health authorities, "Victim Services" is divided between medical care (Health Authority), police-based support (RCMP/Local Police), and community-based advocacy.

1. Forensic Nursing Services (Sexual Assault & IPV)

Specialized nurses provide trauma-informed care and forensic evidence collection for victims of sexual assault or intimate partner violence. These services are available 24/7.

Region

Primary Facility

Access Instructions

South Island

Victoria Sexual Assault Clinic

Call 250-383-3232 (available 24/7).

South Island

Victoria General Hospital (VGH)

Go to the Emergency Department.

Central Island

Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Go to the Emergency Department or call 250-755-7691.

Cowichan Valley

Cowichan District Hospital

Go to the Emergency Department.

North Island

North Island Hospital (Campbell River & Comox Valley)

Go to the Emergency Department.

West Coast

West Coast General Hospital (Port Alberni)

Go to the Emergency Department.

• 
  Timeline: Evidence collection (rape kits) is most effective within 7 days.

• Privacy: You can receive medical care and have a forensic kit completed without reporting to the police. The kit can be stored for up to one year.

2. VI SCAN (Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect)

VI SCAN is a multidisciplinary program that provides medical assessments and support for children and youth (under 19) who may have been victims of maltreatment.

• Services: Medical evaluations, documentation of injuries, and referrals to specialized counseling.

• Referrals: Typically made through the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), police, or a family doctor.

• Locations: Clinics are based in Victoria (Queen Alexandra Centre) and Nanaimo.

3. Adult Abuse & Neglect (Designated Agency)

Island Health is a "Designated Agency" under the Adult Guardianship Act, meaning they must investigate reports of abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults.

• Victoria/South Island: 250-388-2273

• Nanaimo/Central Island: 250-739-5749

• North Island: 250-331-8570

• Toll-Free (Island-wide): 1-888-533-2273

4. Community-Based Partners

While not run directly by Island Health, these organizations are the primary providers of long-term victim advocacy and crisis housing on the Island.

• Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC): Crisis line 250-383-3232.

• Haven Society (Nanaimo): Support for women and children; 24/7 crisis line 1-888-756-0616.

• Cowichan Women Against Violence (CWAV): 250-748-7000.

• Vancouver Island Crisis Line: 1-888-494-3888 (24/7 emotional support).

5. Police-Based Victim Services

Every major RCMP detachment or municipal police department (Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Central Saanich) on the Island has a Victim Services unit. They provide:

• Court orientation and accompaniment.

• Assistance with the Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP) for financial aid.

• Crisis intervention at the scene of a crime.

Confidential 24/7 Help: You can call or text VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808 at any time. They can provide immediate referrals to any of the services listed above in over 150 languages.