Victim Services staff members are not police officers; they are civilian employees of the VPD with specialized training in emotional support, crisis intervention, and communication skills, and with education in areas such as psychology, social work or other related disciplines.

Staff are available to provide free and confidential support to victims, witnesses, and family members affected by crime and trauma.

As a victim of crime, you have certain rights under the BC Victims of Crime Act and the federal Canadian Victim Bill of Rights.

Referrals to the Victim Services Unit are generally done through the investigating police officer, however, referrals from outside agencies and self-referrals are accepted.

If you have been affected by crime or trauma, contact the VPD Victim Services Unit at 604-717-2737.

On-Scene Crisis Intervention

VSU staff members can go to a police incident involving crime or trauma to support the victims, witnesses, and family members affected. This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as initiated by a VPD police officer. If you need support at the scene of a crime or traumatic incident, please speak to a VPD officer to ask for this service.

Emotional Support

Emotional support is offered in the hours, days, weeks, months or years following a crime or trauma. We provide non-judgmental, empathetic listening, that allows for victims, witnesses, and family members to express themselves safely during extremely difficult times. Emotional support is not the same as counselling. If counselling is needed, an appropriate referral will be offered.

Practical Assistance and Support

VSU staff members can offer practical assistance and support filling out documents, completing applications, registering for programs, and liaising with other agencies.

Applying for eligible benefits through the
Crime Victim Assistance Program:

Victim Application Form

Family Member Application Form

Witness Application Form

Registering to receive court updates and information on the accused or offender through the Victim Safety Unit:

Victim Safety Unit Application Form

Completing a Victim Impact Statement or Statement on Restitution to be considered at time of sentencing an offender:

Victim Impact Statement Form

Statement on Restitution Form

Access to Information

The need for information is constantly changing. VSU staff members can assist by accessing or helping to access information that a victim, witness or family member may need.

This includes information regarding:

  • the police investigation
  • the criminal justice system
  • victim rights
  • the Crime Victim’s Assistance Program (CVAP)
  • trauma responses and self-care
  • community support services
  • other resources and referrals

Justice Facility Dog Program


Meet Sydney, our Justice Facility Dog  (JFD). Sydney, who joined the VPD Victim Services Unit in March 2023, works alongside our Victim Services staff members to support victims, witnesses, and family members and lessen the impact of trauma. Sydney was bred, raised, and trained by the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS), which is an accredited member of the Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

JFD Sydney is sponsored by generous donations through the Vancouver Police Foundation.

Resources and Referrals

Victim Services staff members will assist victims, witnesses, and family members in identifying appropriate resources and referrals. They are partnered with several community agencies specialized in power-based crimes, language capabilities or cultural considerations, and will provide information and referrals to these organizations as required.

For referral information or immediate support outside the Victim Services Unit business hours, please contact:

Contact

Office hours: Monday – Friday
7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Phone: 604-717-2737 ext. 4
Email: vpd.vsu@vpd.ca

Please note that this email address is not monitored 24 hours a day and we are unable to take crime reports by email. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1.