Sexualized Violence Support Resource Listing

Disclaimer:

This webpage contains sensitive and potentially triggering information regarding support after sexualized violence and the prevention of sexualized violence.  If you are needing support, call the Vancouver Island 24/7 Crisis Line at  1-888-494-3888. 

A note for survivors of sexualized violence: 

It’s okay and normal to not know what type of support you need or want, or to feel overwhelmed with the options. A good place to start is the Vancouver Island 24/7 Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888. It offers immediate support and can help direct you to resources for further or ongoing support.

Otherwise, below are links to lists of resources with brief descriptions of the services they offer. This resource listing is also available in PDF format to print or save. 

Purpose:

Hello! We are Elly and Madison, fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at the University of Victoria (UVIC). We are grateful for the opportunity to complete our community health placement at Island Sexual Health clinic. During this placement, we noticed a significant underreporting of sexualized violence, which inspired us to focus our community project on developing a support tool for survivors of sexualized violence. This tool includes information on consent, violence prevention, and resources for both survivors and those supporting them within UVIC and the broader community. 

Our project gathers a variety of resources, from local organizations like the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) to online podcasts, workshops, and books. We aim to raise awareness that sexualized violence can affect anyone, empower survivors by emphasizing autonomy and choice, advocate for positive change, and help create a safer, more supportive community. Throughout this journey, we have learned the importance of responding with compassion and support. 

The clipart used in this project represents support and growth. The seedling symbolizes the resilience of survivors, as seeds possess an innate strength to persevere and grow, even in harsh conditions. To represent supporting survivors, we chose an image of hands gently holding a seedling. Just as holding a seedling requires careful attention to protect its roots and leaves, supporting survivors involves providing a safe, nurturing space that respects their needs and boundaries. Lastly, the image of a flourishing plant reflects each survivor’s unique journey of growth. Like plants that go through cycles of shedding leaves and blossoming anew, survivors experience transformation as they reclaim their sense of self and sexuality. This growth involves understanding consent and finding empowerment on their own terms. 

We would like to thank Jennifer Gibson, the Island Sexual Health clinic, the Anti-Violence Project, the Victoria Sexual Assault Centre, Equity & Human Rights (EQHR) at UVIC, our preceptor Meghan, our instructor Vera Caine, our classmates, and the nursing program for their guidance and support. 

Resources for Survivors (Listing below updated November 2024) 

For a complete view of this table on a mobile device, click here

Resources for Supporting Survivors (Listing below updated November 2024) 

I am looking for:	Resources
Information about how to support someone else who is a survivor of sexualized violence	Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC): Project Respect – Supporting Survivors  Supporting a survivor of sexualized violence can feel overwhelming and may bring up feelings of uncertainty or worry about doing the right thing. Project Respect provides general ideas for offering support to the survivor and to yourself as the support person.  UVIC Sexualized Violence Resource Office (SVRO) The SVRO provides support to anyone impacted by sexualized violence. We can provide information, support, advice and coaching on how to support survivors of sexualized violence. Visit our website for more details. Anti-Violence Project (AVP)  Offers workshops for supporting survivors, and it is open to students, staff members, faculty, and community members.  The workshops cover the differences between support, disclosure, and reporting and provide some foundations for supporting survivors of sexualized violence.    Possibility Seeds Podcast  For anyone who wants to learn about gender justice activism in Canada. Involves multi-generational conversations between student leaders who are newer to this work, and long-time activists who’ve been involved in some of Canada’s most historic organizing.      Caring for Yourself is a Radical Act: A Self-Care Guide for Youth Working in Community  Provides self-care information and strategies for people supporting survivors of sexualized violence. It discusses disability justice, understanding trauma, and explores boundaries.
Additional Information & Supports for Trans, Two-Spirit, and Gender Diverse Survivors	Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) Provides support for gender diverse people 13+ Support workers include: Two Spirit, Trans (which may include trans women and femmes, and trans men and masculine people), Non-Binary, Gender Queer people, Intersex people, all people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, and cisgender women.   Men’s Therapy Centre  Victim services – no charge to see a victim services worker One-on-one counselling Group counselling   The Victim Services program offers practical and emotional support to males and those who identify as male starting at age 16. Help men who have experienced any physical, emotional or sexual trauma in childhood or as adults. * man/male/boy includes cis, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary, 2spirit, queer, gender fluid+   Trans Lifeline  1-877-330-6366 (available 7am to 1am every day)  Hotline peer support phone service run by trans people.  Provides culturally competent services to trans and gender-nonconforming people in crisis.
Additional Information & Supports for Indigenous Survivors	Additional Information & Supports for Indigenous Survivors  Native Youth Crisis Hotline  1-877-209-1266  Provides immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgemental, confidential support and follow-up through 24/7 phone lines and online services   KUU-US Crisis Lines  Non-profit registered charity that provides 24/7 crisis services  Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717 Youth Line: 250-723-2040 Adult Line: 250-723-4050   Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC): Awakening the Warrior Within 250-384-3211 Support for examining relationships with historical and ongoing colonial context, and an individual’s own family dynamics within a safe, trauma-informed, culturally grounded program    QomQem Coastal Connections It is a grassroots Indigenous-led outreach program that offers harm reduction, health care services to Indigenous peoples. Located in Peers Victoria Resource Society.  Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:30 am – 3:30 am  250-291-1204 Email:     Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society Substance Abuse & Trauma Center  Offers a confidential, inclusive, culturally-safe support line.  1-888-403-3123 M-F 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Weekends & holidays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM    First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Mental Health and Wellness Supports  Offers Hope for Wellness Help Line which is an immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention by phone or online chat 1-855-242-3310 or confidential chat with a counsellor at hopeforwellness.ca    Support Network for Indigenous Women & Women of Colour (SNIWWOC)  Offers variety of free programs such as peer support, one-on-one counselling, and domestic violence support groups  250-277-2545 Email:

Resources about Consent Conversations and Violence Prevention: Creating a culture of respect 

(Listing below updated November 2024) 

I am looking for:	Resources
Safety supports available on and off UVic Campus	Good Night Out  **Website is for Vancouver, but this service is available in Victoria as well. Our team works on Fridays and Saturdays from midnight to 4am. The team is very visible in their pinky peach t-shirts.  Examples of services provided:  Acting as eyes and ears on the street  Acting as skilled bystanders when gendered or homophobic or other harassment is witnessed  Linking people who have been victims of assault to supports and/or reporting Assisting vulnerable patrons to access public transit or taxis  Helping patrons charge phones for safety reasons   UVIC Campus Security  250-721-7599 Safehaven. Campus Security Services is open 24/7 and is located in the Campus Security Building near the Bookstore. The front foyer, equipped with a surveillance camera and intercom, provides direct contact to the Dispatcher for immediate assistance. SafeWalk  Campus Security Services provides a safe walk service 24/7 Safewalk can be requested by phone or by calling from any of Campus Security’s 15 Direct Dial Phones located around the University campus. Campus Alone  Campus Alone is provided by Campus Security Services and is available to all members of the campus community who work or study on campus during the quiet hours of evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.
Information about consent and how to have conversations about consent.	Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC): Project Respect  Provides support to develop knowledge and skills to practice respectful relationships and consent (only yes means yes) and to engage in social action to end sexualized violence and create inclusive communities    Western University: Consent is Essential  Infographic that provides examples of what consent sounds like and the conditions that are necessary to obtain consent.    UVIC Sexualized Violence Resource Office (SVRO)  Coordinates education and prevention efforts on campus for students, faculty and staff Creates and delivers prevention workshops and presentations   Anti-Violence Project (AVP) Consent Workshops – Our Understanding Consent Culture workshops run regularly from September to April. Currently we are offering a free online version of this training that is open to students, faculty and staff as well as community members. The Men’s Circle at UVic aims to challenge gender-based violence and dominant constructions of masculinity. These gatherings are open to all men and masculine identified people (not just students!) so come and bring a friend or two!
Additional Information & Supports for Trans, Two-Spirit, Indigenous and Gender Diverse Survivors	Victoria Sexual Assault Centre (VSAC) Provides support for gender diverse people 13+ Support workers include: Two Spirit, Trans (which may include trans women and femmes, and trans men and masculine people), Non-Binary, Gender Queer people, Intersex people, all people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, and cisgender women.   Men’s Therapy Centre  Victim services – no charge to see a victim services worker One-on-one counselling Group counselling   The Victim Services program offers practical and emotional support to males and those who identify as male starting at age 16. Help men who have experienced any physical, emotional or sexual trauma in childhood or as adults. * man/male/boy includes cis, gay, bi-sexual, trans, non-binary, 2spirit, queer, gender fluid+   Trans Lifeline  1-877-330-6366 (available 7am to 1am every day)  Hotline peer support phone service run by trans people.  Provides culturally competent services to trans and gender-nonconforming people in crisis.
Additional Information & Supports for Indigenous Survivors	Native Youth Crisis Hotline  1-877-209-1266  Provides immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgemental, confidential support and follow-up through 24/7 phone lines and online services   KUU-US Crisis Lines  Non-profit registered charity that provides 24/7 crisis services  Toll-free: 1-800-588-8717 Youth Line: 250-723-2040 Adult Line: 250-723-4050   Victoria Native Friendship Centre (VNFC): Awakening the Warrior Within 250-384-3211 Support for examining relationships with historical and ongoing colonial context, and an individual’s own family dynamics within a safe, trauma-informed, culturally grounded program    QomQem Coastal Connections It is a grassroots Indigenous-led outreach program that offers harm reduction, health care services to Indigenous peoples. Located in Peers Victoria Resource Society.  Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:30 am – 3:30 am  250-291-1204 Email:     Tsow-Tun Le Lum Society Substance Abuse & Trauma Center  Offers a confidential, inclusive, culturally-safe support line.  1-888-403-3123 M-F 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Weekends & holidays 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM    First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) Mental Health and Wellness Supports  Offers Hope for Wellness Help Line which is an immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention by phone or online chat 1-855-242-3310 or confidential chat with a counsellor at hopeforwellness.ca    Support Network for Indigenous Women & Women of Colour (SNIWWOC)  Offers variety of free programs such as peer support, one-on-one counselling, and domestic violence support groups  250-277-2545 Email: