Helpline

The Domestic Abuse Services OLGCS Helpline  is available to women who need help, support, and resources about domestic abuse. It is also open to anyone in the community who is concerned about a loved one, friend, neighbour or co-worker and would like to have information about domestic abuse. The helpline is staffed by trained volunteers and is open seven days a week from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. For information, or someone to listen, this is the place to go!

604-640-7549 / 1-888-833-7733

Help Line FAQs

WHAT KIND OF HELP CAN I EXPECT WHEN I CALL THE HELPLINE?

Our help line operators are trained volunteers who have a compassionate and non-judgemental ear to hear your concerns and answer your questions regarding domestic abuse and violence. They are well-stocked with resources and referrals for services that might be of help to you. They understand every situation is different. As every person’s needs will vary, the operator will give resources as needed with these unique differences in consideration.

Some of the resources you can expect from our helpline operators include:

  • information about family violence
  • assistance in developing a safety plan
  • referrals to:
    • counselling and support
    • crisis lines
    • drug/alcohol/addiction services
    • employment centres
    • health services (physical & mental)
    • legal assistance/courts
    • multicultural and immigrant services
    • first nation resources
    • male resources
    • senior services
    • street youth services
    • victim assistance
    • spiritual counselling
    • interpreters
  • contacts for transition houses, second stage housing & other shelters
WHEN I CALL, THE MESSAGE SAYS I WILL BE RECORDED? DO I HAVE A CHOICE?

When you call our Help Line, you will initially hear a recorded message which informs you the call may be recorded. This initial message is an answering service just like when you call the doctors office after-hours. It is recorded for quality purposes and is used to monitor the quality of their agents. The recording will include your name and phone number; which is used for the purposes of Domestic Abuse Services OLGCS in-house records and will never be shared, sold, or traded for any purpose. Rest assured your voice and phone conversation with our help line operator is not recorded and all information is kept strictly confidential. If you feel more comfortable not giving your real name, try a pseudonym; we will gladly comply.

WHAT IF I NEED TO HANG UP RIGHT AWAY?

If you find yourself in immediate danger and need to hang up, do so! Call 9-1-1 as soon as you’re able if you are unsafe. At the beginning of your call with our operators, you will be asked to let them know if they can call you back. We will take every precaution to not bring more danger to you. We will NOT call you back without your expressed consent.

ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE? CAN I SPEAK WITH SOMEONE IN MY OWN LANGUAGE?

We currently offer a variety of interpreters including French, Spanish, Polish and Tagalog. Once you call our help line, we can connect you with someone to assist.

I AM NOT CATHOLIC. WILL YOU STILL HELP ME?

Although Domestic Abuse Services OLGCS started as a Catholic service resource and remains a Catholic based society, we do NOT discriminate against religion, culture, sexual preferences or age. Our foremost concern is your safety and well-being and our operators will show you the utmost respect. If you wish to be provided with spiritual counselling, we will also offer those referrals as well.