Victim Services Unit (VSU)
Legal and Victim Services
Provided by Vancouver Police Department (VPD)
Provide victims, witnesses, and their family members with professional, supportive, and timely assistance, to lessen the impact of crime and trauma.
Provides support to individuals for all types of crime in the City of Vancouver, who may or may not have reported the crime to the police, and who may or may not be involved with the criminal justice system. Services include:
On-Scene Crisis Intervention: VSU staff members can attend 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 require support at the scene of a crime or traumatic incident, please speak to a VPD officer to request this service.
Emotional Support: Emotional support is offered in the hours, days, weeks, months or years following a crime or trauma. Provides 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 required, an appropriate referral will be offered.
Access to Information: VSU staff members can assist by accessing or helping to access information that a victim, witness or family member may require.This may include information regarding:
- the police investigation
- the criminal justice system
- victim’s rights
- the Crime Victim’s Assistance Program (CVAP)
- trauma responses and self-care
- community support services
- other resources and referrals
Practical Assistance and Support: VSU staff members can offer practical assistance and support in 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, and Witness Application Form.
Support is also available for registering with the Victim Safety Unit to receive court updates and information about the accused or offender. Registration forms are available on the Victim Safety Unit website. Additionally, assistance is provided with completing a Victim Impact Statement or Statement on Restitution for consideration during the sentencing process.
Justice Facility Dog Program: The Justice Facility Dog (JFD) works alongside VSU staff members to support victims, witnesses, and family members to lessen the impact of trauma.
Resources and Referrals: VSU staff members assist victims, witnesses, and family members in identifying appropriate resources and referrals.
604-717-2737 ext. 4
Public email: vpd.vsu@vpd.ca
Website: https://vpd.ca/report-a-crime...
2120 Cambie Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V5Z 4N6
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Cost: No cost
Referral options:
- Community service organization referral
- Self-referral
- VPD police officer
Details: Referrals to the Victim Services Unit are typically made through the investigating police officer; however, referrals from external agencies and self-referrals are also accepted. Individuals affected by crime or trauma may contact the VPD Victim Services Unit (See contact information below).
Availability
Service area: Vancouver + show cities
Service Types Provided
Ways to Access
- Provided 1:1 in-person
- Provided by phone
The listing of this service in Pathways is not a recommendation or endorsement by Pathways.