Join a Support Group
If you’ve been hurt, controlled, or intimidated by someone you love — whether emotionally, physically, or psychologically — you don’t have to face it alone. Our online support groups provide a safe, confidential space for men across British Columbia to talk, learn, and heal together.
Every story matters. Every man deserves safety, respect, and understanding.
About the Group
The Men’s Advocacy and Support Group is an eight-week guided program for men who have experienced family or relationship violence.
Each weekly session is held online through Zoom, so you can join from anywhere — privately and safely.
You’ll receive:
A structured, professionally facilitated group experience.
Practical strategies for personal safety and emotional wellbeing.
Opportunities to share (only if you want to) in a confidential, nonjudgmental environment.
Access to information on legal aid, financial supports, and counselling services.
Encouragement from other men who understand what you are going through.
The program is part of a province-wide initiative supported by the RCMP Family Violence Initiative Fund in partnership with The Men’s Centre and Island Health.
What You’ll Learn
Week 1–2: Understanding Abuse and Emotional Safety
Recognizing emotional, psychological, and physical forms of abuse.
Identifying coercive control, manipulation, and legal or financial intimidation.
Week 3–4: Safety Planning and Crisis Readiness
Developing a safety plan for yourself and your children.
Preparing emergency contacts, documents, and exit strategies.
Week 5–6: Rebuilding Confidence and Boundaries
Managing anxiety, guilt, and self-blame.
Setting healthy boundaries and rebuilding self-esteem.
Week 7–8: Moving Forward and Building Support
Setting recovery goals and accessing follow-up counselling.
Connecting with ongoing community resources and programs.
About the Facilitator
Ryan Levis, B.A., M.A.C.P.
Counsellor and trauma-informed facilitator.
Ryan specializes in men’s emotional wellbeing and recovery from family and relationship violence.
He brings a calm, compassionate presence to each session and focuses on safety, understanding, and long-term healing.
Confidentiality and Safety
Your privacy is our top priority.
All groups are held in secure, password-protected Zoom meetings.
Participants are not required to use their cameras.
Sessions are not recorded.
Registration information is encrypted and stored securely by The Men’s Centre.
If you are worried about your digital safety, we can help you participate safely — whether through a trusted friend’s device, a public computer, or a private location.
A Quick Exit button appears on every page so you can leave the site instantly.
Schedule and Format
Format: Online via Zoom
Duration: Eight weeks (two hours per week)
Cost: Free (fully funded by the RCMP Family Violence Initiative Fund)
Start Dates: Rolling intakes throughout the year. Sessions run until March 26, 2026.
Availability: Open to all BC residents
Once you register, you will be contacted directly to confirm your intake group and meeting times.
How to Register
You can register by clicking the link below
By Phone or Email
Phone: 250-716-1551
Email: info@themenscentre.ca
When you register, we will ask for:
Your name and a safe way to contact you (email or phone).
Whether you prefer a camera-free or audio-only option.
Any accessibility or cultural considerations.
All information is confidential. You can withdraw or request data deletion at any time.
Additional Resources
24/7 Crisis Lines
VictimLink BC 1-800-563-0808 | victimlinkbc.ca
9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Helpline (call or text)
Vancouver Island Crisis Line 1-888-494-3888
310 Mental Health Support 310-6789
Counselling and Legal Help
The Men’s Centre (Nanaimo) themenscentre.ca
Men’s Therapy Centre (Victoria) menstherapycentre.ca
MxN Men’s Therapy Network mxnmenstherapynetwork.ca
Legal Aid BC legalaid.bc.ca
Access Pro Bono accessprobono.ca
Culturally Inclusive Services
Tillicum Lelum Aboriginal Friendship Centre (Nanaimo) tillicumlelum.ca
DUDES Club dudesclub.ca
Canadian Centre for Men and Families (Vancouver) menandfamilies.org
Why Join?
Healing doesn’t happen in isolation.
When men come together in a supportive, respectful space, they find strength in shared experience and start to rebuild their lives.
Joining a support group is not about weakness — it’s about taking back control, finding your voice, and choosing safety and healing.