Domestic Abuse/Violence counselling in BC

Domestic abuse/violence is a pervasive and often hidden problem in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men will experience domestic abuse/violence in their lifetimes.

  • 7 counsellors
  • In person or online

Signs

What domestic abuse/violence can feel like

Abuse at home is more common than many people think, and it is never your fault. It may be time to reach out when someone close to you makes you feel afraid, controlled or hurt.

  • Feeling afraid of how someone at home will react
  • Watching what you say to avoid a fight
  • Being put down, yelled at or called names
  • Someone checking your phone, money or where you go
  • Being pushed, hit, grabbed or threatened
  • Feeling cut off from friends and family
  • Being pressured into sex or touch you do not want
  • Blaming yourself for how you are treated

How counselling helps

What working on it together looks likeHow counselling helps

  1. Early on

    Understand what happened

    Your counsellor listens without judgment. Together you name the patterns of control or harm, and you see that it was not your fault.

  2. As you go

    Ease the fear

    You practise ways to calm fear, panic and stress in your body. You decide what to share and when, at your own pace.

  3. Over time

    Move forward

    Together you rebuild trust in yourself and your choices. You work toward the relationships and the life you want, on your own terms.

Where

In person in Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey, or onlineWhere

About

More about domestic abuse/violence

Domestic Abuse/Violence: Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support

Domestic abuse/violence is a pervasive and often hidden problem in Canada. According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 8 men will experience domestic abuse/violence in their lifetimes.

What is Domestic Abuse/Violence?

Domestic abuse/violence can take many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse. It can happen between partners, family members, or other individuals who live together. Domestic abuse/violence is often about power and control and can involve threats, isolation, and manipulation.

Domestic abuse/violence is never acceptable and can have significant impacts on individuals' physical and mental health, as well as their relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Examples and Statistics in Canada

In Canada, domestic abuse/violence is a widespread issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. Here are some statistics and examples to help paint a picture of the problem:

  • According to a 2018 survey, 54% of Canadians know someone who has experienced domestic abuse/violence.
  • In 2019, police reported over 97,000 domestic abuse/violence incidents in Canada, with women being the victims in over 70% of cases.
  • Indigenous women in Canada are significantly more likely to experience domestic abuse/violence than non-Indigenous women.
  • Domestic abuse/violence can happen in any community, regardless of socio-economic status, race, or religion.

Breaking the Silence and Seeking Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse/violence, it's essential to know that help is available. No one deserves to live in fear or be subjected to abuse/violence, and there are many resources and services that can help.

At No Fear Counselling, we offer support and counselling for individuals and families impacted by domestic abuse/violence. Our team of mental health professionals can help you navigate the complex emotions and challenges associated with abuse/violence and develop strategies for staying safe and moving forward.

Additionally, there are many resources available across Canada for individuals impacted by domestic abuse/violence, including crisis hotlines, shelters, and legal support services. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse/violence, don't hesitate to reach out for help.

Together, we can work towards breaking the silence around domestic abuse/violence and creating a world where everyone feels safe and respected in their homes and relationships.

‍

Trauma and abuse

More topics we help withMore topics

See every topic we help with

Counsellors who help with domestic abuse/violenceCounsellors for domestic abuse/violence

FAQs

Common questions about domestic abuse/violence counsellingCommon questions

Can't find your answer? Ask us a question.

  • You do not need to be sure before you talk to a counsellor. Abuse is not only hitting: it can also be threats, name-calling, control over money or who you see, or unwanted sexual contact. If you often feel afraid, watched or small around someone close to you, our counsellors can help you make sense of it.

  • If you are in danger, call 911. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, or call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433). You do not need to wait for a session to get help. Counselling is for ongoing support, and it is not an emergency service.

  • Yes, you can meet with a counsellor online from anywhere in BC, or in person at one of our offices. Online sessions can help if it is hard to travel or get time away. You and your counsellor can talk about what feels private and safe enough for you.

  • No, you can share as much or as little as you like. In the first session, your counsellor asks what brings you in and what you hope for, and you choose what to talk about. Some people start with how they feel today, such as stress, sleep or worry, before they talk about what happened.

  • No, you do not need to leave or make any big decision to start counselling. Your counsellor will not tell you what to do. Together you look at what is happening, how it affects you and what choices feel right for you, at your own pace.

From the blog

Reading on domestic abuse/violence

All articles
Help assistantNo Fear Counselling's virtual assistant · Automated

Prefer a person? Call or text us.

How we handle chats

Popular

Recent searches stay on this device only.