Helplines and Professional Referrals for Men Experiencing Abuse, Trauma, or Family Violence

Confidential · Free or Low-Cost · Province-Wide & Vancouver Island Supports

If You Need Help Right Now

If you or someone you know is in danger, call 9-1-1.
You can also contact VictimLink BC at 1-800-563-0808 for 24-hour confidential support in over 150 languages.

1. Crisis & 24-Hour Helplines

These services are available across British Columbia, day and night.

• VictimLink BC — 1-800-563-0808
  Confidential support for anyone affected by family or sexual violence, abuse, or crime. Offers safety planning, emotional support, and referrals to shelters, legal services, and counselling.

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Helpline — Call or text 9-8-8
  National mental health and suicide prevention line (English and French, 24/7).

• Vancouver Island Crisis Line — 1-888-494-3888
  Crisis intervention, emotional support, and online chat/text for Vancouver Island residents.

• 310 Mental Health Support — 310-6789 (no area code)
  Connects you with mental-health professionals anywhere in BC for emotional support and guidance.

• BC211 — Dial or text 2-1-1
  Free information on housing, food, legal aid, addiction recovery, and other community supports.

• HealthLink BC — Dial 8-1-1
  Speak to a nurse, dietitian, or pharmacist for free medical advice and mental-health referrals.

2. Counselling & Support Services

These organizations provide counselling, group programs, and support specifically for men or families.

• The Men’s Centre – Nanaimo
  Free counselling, advocacy, and support for men impacted by family violence, trauma, or separation.
  250-716-1551  info@themenscentre.ca

• Men’s Therapy Centre – Victoria
  Counselling and trauma therapy for men and male survivors of violence or abuse.

• MxN Men’s Therapy Network – Victoria
  A collective of trauma-informed counsellors supporting men, non-binary, and trans clients.
  Locations in Victoria, Duncan, and Colwood.

• Manifest Men’s Counselling – Vancouver
  Counselling focused on men’s mental health, relationships, and emotional resilience.

• BC Society for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse (BCSMSSA)
  Clinical counselling and support for men who have experienced sexual abuse or assault.
  1-888-682-6482

• Canadian Centre for Men and Families – Vancouver
  Counselling, peer support, and legal clinic for men and families.
  778-819-1860

• HeadsUpGuys
  Online mental-health resource with tools, self-assessments, and strategies for managing depression in men.

• Foundry BC
  For men and youth ages 12–24. Provides counselling, peer support, and wellness services in person and online.

3. Indigenous & LGBTQ2S+ Supports

Culturally safe and inclusive services for Indigenous, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQ+ men.

• Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre – Nanaimo
  Indigenous-led programs offering counselling, family support, youth outreach, and cultural healing.
  250-753-6578

• First Nations Health Authority (FNHA)
  Mental-health and wellness supports for First Nations people in BC, including crisis lines and traditional healing programs.

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS)
  24/7 counselling and crisis support for survivors and intergenerational survivors of residential schools.
  1-800-721-0066

• Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC)
  Provides culturally relevant wellness and mental-health services for Métis individuals and families.

• DUDES Club
  Indigenous-rooted men’s wellness network offering community circles, cultural activities, and health resources across BC.

• QMUNITY – BC’s Queer, Trans, and Two-Spirit Resource Centre
  Free and low-cost counselling, peer groups, and resources for LGBTQ2S+ individuals.

• Health Initiative for Men (HIM)
  Peer-based sexual health, mental-health, and community programs for gay, bi, and trans men.

4. Legal & Advocacy Services

Help with legal rights, family law, protection orders, and victim assistance.

• Legal Aid BC
  Free or low-cost legal help for family violence, protection orders, and child custody.
  1-866-577-2525

• Access Pro Bono
  Free legal advice clinics and lawyer referrals for low-income individuals.
  604-878-7400

• People’s Law School
  Plain-language guides and online education about BC law, family rights, and abuse prevention.

• Justice Access Centres (JACs)
  Information and referrals for people dealing with separation, divorce, or family conflict.
  Locations in Vancouver, Nanaimo, and Victoria.

• Crime Victim Assistance Program (CVAP)
  Financial aid for victims of crime, including counselling, medical, and safety expenses.
  1-866-660-3888

• BC Human Rights Clinic
  Legal representation and advice for people facing discrimination or harassment.

• Family Justice Centres
  Free family dispute resolution, mediation, and safety planning through the BC Ministry of Attorney General.

5. General Wellness & Community Resources

Broader supports that may help with recovery and rebuilding stability.

• Foundry Virtual BC — online chat, counselling, and peer support for youth and young adults.

• CMHA BC (Canadian Mental Health Association) — community-based mental-health programs and peer support groups.

• BC Housing — housing, shelter, and rent-subsidy programs for individuals escaping violence.

• Service BC — access to government forms and identification replacement after leaving unsafe environments.

Safety Reminder

If you are using a shared computer or device:

• Use private or incognito browsing mode when possible.

• Clear your browser history after visiting support sites.

You Are Not Alone

Many men in BC experience abuse or family violence.
Support is available across the province, and reaching out is a sign of strength.