Alternatives to Violence
Violence against women is not a private family issue. It is a community and public health issue affecting not only the abuser and his victim but everyone around them.
In light of the corona-virus crisis, (COVID-19), Deltassist has adapted their Stopping the Violence program to ensure everyone’s safety and remain connected with each other.
As of March 13th, 2020, we have transitioned all of our counselling services to phone or video sessions.
All of our staff will remain available Monday to Friday from 9-4:30pm. Some evening appointments are available upon request.
If you are in need of support or you are concerned for your safety or the safety of a friend or family member, please do not hesitate to call us at
604-594-3455
Ask to speak with one of our Stopping the Violence Counsellors
If you are in immediate danger please call 911
While COVID-19 is forcing us to stay home, many couples are finding ways to adapt to being in close quarters and trying to cope as best as they can. However, we also know that many individuals are also living in abusive relationships during this stressful time.
While conflicts and disagreements are part of all relationships and that, there are appropriate ways of behaving when dealing with these conflicts. When the behaviours in a relationship are inappropriate, an abusive relationship may develop. If you or someone you know is struggling with their relationship, it is important to know the differences between healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationships. Here is a resource for you to read.
Healthy-Relationships-Pamphlet-2020
Intimate partner violence (also known as relationship abuse) is a pattern of abusive behaviors – usually a series of abusive behaviors over a course of time – used to exert power and control over a partner.
Every relationship is different, but the things that unhealthy and abusive relationships have in common are issues of power and control. Violent words and actions are tools an abusive partner uses to gain and maintain power and control over their partner. The Power and Control Wheel is a tool that helps explain the different ways an abusive partner can use power and control to manipulate a relationship.
Here is a few different videos that can help explain what you or someone you know might be experiencing.
https://www.theduluthmodel.org/wheels/understanding-power-control-wheel/
If you might have recognized that you or someone you know are in an abusive relationship, it’s not always easy to make decisions around what, if anything, you are going to do next.
Our Stopping the Violence Counsellors are here to support you whether you make the choice to stay or leave, we are here to provide non- judgemental supports. We are here to listen and support you or your loved one. Meanwhile, we encourage you to have self-compassion during this time. Here are a few exercises that might be helpful.
https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#exercises
In addition to self-compassion, our counselling team would like to share a few examples of some safety plans that might be useful for you or someone you know.
Safety-Plan-2-When-staying-in-an-abusive-situation
Safety-Plan-1-When-Leaving-Abusive-Situation
Additional resources:
- Delta Police Emergency 911
- Delta Police non-emergency 604.946.4411 to report abuse (24 hrs)
- Delta Police Victim Services 604.940.5019 – Support related to relationship violence, info on the Criminal Justice System, court support and referrals to community resources.
- Victimlink 1-800-563-0808
- Azure Transition House 604-957-1556
- Distress Services 1-866-661-3311
- Distress Services Suicide Line 1-800-784-2433
- Multi-cultural Victim Services (Mosaic) 604-254-9626
- Youth Against Violence Line 1-800-680-4264, BC 211 email: help@bc211.ca
- Fraser Health Crisis Line 1-877-820-7444
For more information, contact us.
If in immediate Crisis
For help with violence in Delta
Call VictimLink BC at 1.800.563.0808
For online resources on dealing with violence, visit our Delta Opposes Violence Everywhere (DOVE) page.
