If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. Online referrals are not an emergency service.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911. Online referrals are not an emergency service.
About GVPVS
Providing police-based victim services and support to people affected by crime and trauma throughout the Greater Victoria region since 1984.
Who We Are
Operated by the Greater Victoria Police Victim Services Society, established in 1984 under the Societies Act of British Columbia, GVPVS works alongside police and community partners to provide short-term emotional support, practical assistance, justice-system information, safety planning, court support, and connections to other community resources.
Our approach is centred on providing people with information, options and support so they can make informed choices about what comes next.
GVPVS supports the rights of victims recognized through British Columbia's Victims of Crime Act and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
1984
Year founded
7
Police agency partners
100+
Years combined staff experience
Our Region
GVPVS has a unique regional service model, working in partnership with seven police agencies to provide victim services across Greater Victoria — from Metchosin and the Highlands through to North Saanich and the communities in between.
Central Saanich Police Service
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP
Esquimalt Military Police
Victoria Police Department
Oak Bay Police Department
Saanich Police Department
West Shore RCMP
Who We Serve
People do not necessarily need to wait for a police referral before reaching out to GVPVS.
Get SupportPeople directly affected by crime or trauma, referred through our police partners.
People who witnessed a crime or traumatic event and need support.
Family members of those directly impacted.
Members of the public seeking support directly — no police referral required.
Purpose
Our Vision
"The individuals we serve achieve a state of well-being."
Our vision reflects the outcome we work toward: helping people affected by crime and trauma access meaningful support, information and resources as they move forward.
Our Mission
"We work with police in the Greater Victoria area to provide emotional support, practical assistance and referrals to individuals impacted by crime and trauma."
Every interaction is guided by this mission — ensuring people receive the support they need, when they need it.
What Guides Us
Our values guide how we work with the people we serve, our colleagues, police agencies and community partners.
We are committed to the communities we serve and to the rights of victims. We work collaboratively within GVPVS and with police and community partners to provide meaningful, responsive support.
We are client-focused, professional and committed to providing a high standard of service. Our team is trained to respond to the diverse and evolving needs of people affected by crime and trauma.
We work according to a professional Code of Ethics and value transparency, accountability and trust. Information entrusted to GVPVS is treated with care and confidentiality.
We approach every person with compassion, understanding and without judgment. We recognize that each person's experience, needs and path forward are different.
We respect the strengths, experiences and needs of the diverse communities we serve. We strive to provide inclusive, respectful services that recognize each person's individuality.
2025–2030
GVPVS's 2025–2030 Strategic Plan focuses on three areas that support the organization's ability to continue meeting the needs of the Greater Victoria community.
Read Our 2025–2030 Strategic Plan →We are continuing to evolve how victim services are delivered so that people receive support when it is most needed. Our priorities include strengthening client-centred and trauma-informed practices, improving the referral process, using technology to support service delivery, and continuing education and collaboration with our police partners.
Demand for victim services has grown significantly, and GVPVS is working to build a strong and sustainable operational foundation. This includes strengthening partnerships, improving access to technology and resources, and developing diverse and sustainable sources of funding so the organization can continue responding to community needs.
Providing high-quality victim services depends on having a skilled, supported and sustainable team. GVPVS is committed to continued staff development, workforce wellness, effective leadership and ensuring the organization has the capacity and competencies required to respond to changing community needs.
Partnerships
GVPVS works collaboratively with police agencies, community-based victim services programs, health and counselling organizations, support groups and other community resources. These partnerships help ensure that people affected by crime or trauma can be connected with specialized services when additional or longer-term support is needed.
Our Police & Community Partners →GVPVS is here to help. Reach out for support or connect someone who needs it.