Nelson Police Department Victim Services

Victim Services5


The Nelson Police Department (NPD), in partnership with the Central Kootenay RCMP, offers a joint Regional Victim Services program. Our highly trained civilian staff specialize in emotional support, crisis intervention, and communication. This team provides free and confidential assistance to victims navigating traumatic events, criminal investigations, and court processes. Timely and appropriate support can significantly enhance a victim’s recovery and wellness.


At the core of our services is a commitment to treating victims with dignity and respect. We employ a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach to ensure that victims feel supported and empowered.

Mandate

Our program’s goal is to reduce the trauma victims experience and minimize the risk of re-victimization. We offer emotional support, practical assistance, and referrals, allowing individuals to make informed decisions as the navigate the criminal justice system and choose the type and level of support they require.

Hours of Operation

Office hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (Closed on statutory holidays)

Extended hours: Tuesday until 7:00 p.m.

Crisis response available upon request by the Police

24/7 answering machine for urgent concerns

For immediate support outside of regular business hours, please contact:

Contact Information

(Note: Email is not monitored 24 hours a day. For emergencies, please call 911.)

For immediate crisis assistance, please contact the Interior Crisis Line Network at 1-888-353-2273 or the Crisis Line Association of BC at 1-800-784-2433. Visit the Crisis Centre website .

Victim’s Rights

As a victim of crime, you have rights under the BC Victims of Crime Act and the federal Canadian Victim Bill of Rights .

While most referrals to the Victim Services program come from investigating police officers, self-referrals and referrals from other agencies are welcome. If you’ve been affected by crime or trauma, please contact the Nelson Police Department at 250-354-3919.

On-Scene Crisis Intervention

Our Victim Services team can attend incidents involving crime or trauma to support victims, witnesses, and family members. The service is available upon request by a NPD police officer. If you require support at a crime scene or traumatic event, please speak to an officer to initiate this service.  

Emotional Support

Emotional support is available at any time following a crime or trauma, whether it’s hours, days, weeks, or even years later.  We offer non-judgmental, empathetic listening to help victims, witnesses, and family members express themselves during difficult times. 

Note: Emotional support is distinct from counseling. We will offer appropriate resources if counseling is needed.

Access to Information

Victim Services can help you access important information, such as:

  • Updates on the police investigation
  • Information about the Criminal Justice System
  • Clarification on victims’ rights
  • Assistance with Crime Victim Assistance Program applications
  • Guidance on trauma responses and self-care
  • Referrals to community support services
  • Additional resources as needed

Practical Assistance

We provide assistance in practical matters, such as:

  • Completing forms and applications
  • Registering for programs
  • Liaising with other agencies

Victims can apply for eligible benefits through the Crime Victim Assistance Program.

You can also register to receive updates on court proceedings and information on the accused or offender via the Victim Safety Unit. 

For those who wish to submit a Victim Impact Statement or Statement on Restitution, these will be taken into consideration during sentencing:

Court Services

If your case proceeds to court, you may be required to testify. Our Victim Services team can support you by:  

  • Providing information about the court process
  • Explaining your rights and responsibilities as a witness
  • Offering court orientation and accompaniment
  • Explaining the corrections process

Resources and Referrals

We are committed to connecting victims, witnesses, and family members with appropriate resources. We partner with a variety of specialized community agencies to provide referrals to organizations such as:

Relationship and Sexual Violence

Nelson Police Department Victim Services provide support, after police attendance, to all victims of Relationship Violence – Domestic and Sexual Violence. With consent, a victim of these types of violence, referred to as power-based crimes, will be referred to Community-Based Victim Services (CBVS) in Nelson. 

If a person experiencing Domestic or Sexual Violence is not yet comfortable reporting directly to the police, then please consider connecting directly with Community Based Victim Services first. (See their brochure for more information). Community Based Victim Services will assist that person confidentially and privately without police involvement, until they are ready and make their choice – whenever that may be – to report the occurrence to police. 

The Nelson Police Department Victim Services team encourages everyone to learn the signs of intimate partner violence to help protect one another. The Neighbours, Friends, and Families Program is a public education campaign aimed at raising awareness about intimate partner violence, helping individuals recognize warning signs, and providing guidance on how to support those affected. For more information watch Relationship Violence: What Everyone Needs to Know.

If you are experiencing intimate partner violence or domestic violence, we can help. This type of violence can occur with family members, partners, or in any situation with a power imbalance. Relationship violence can vary in frequency and severity. We offer: