Every May, Canada recognizes Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. For moms in this city, it’s a reminder that knowing what support exists in our community genuinely matters — not to dwell on hard things, but because that knowledge can make a real difference for someone who needs it.

This week, Family Services of Greater Vancouver (FSGV) is spotlighting something important: their free Victim Support Services and Trauma Counselling programs, available across Metro Vancouver, New Westminster, Richmond, and Burnaby.

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

For over 40 years, FSGV has been walking alongside survivors of violence, abuse, and exploitation. What sets their approach apart is that they treat survivors as the experts in their own lives — not there to hand out a checklist, but to offer steady support as each person figures out what comes next.

That kind of trust-based care is what actually helps people heal.

What FSGV Actually Offers (And It’s Free)

Their Victim Support Services help people dealing with intimate partner violence, elder abuse, family violence, and exploitation. That includes emotional support, safety planning, guidance through the justice system, and connections to community resources that many people don’t even know exist.

Their Trauma Counselling serves kids, teens, adults, and seniors — with age-appropriate, therapeutic support focused on building resilience and reclaiming a sense of stability. Whether it’s a child processing something scary or an adult working to rebuild their confidence, the program meets people where they are.

And all of it is free.

The Numbers That Say Everything

The 2025 numbers from FSGV speak for themselves:

• They walked alongside survivors for 15,000 hours
• They supported more than 1,000 survivors of high-risk violence
• 43% of trauma counselling clients were under 25 years old
• On average, they support each person for 4 years

That last one is worth sitting with. Four years. This isn’t a one-time referral — it’s a real, ongoing relationship.

How You Can Help Right Now

Anyone in need of support can start at fsgv.ca/support-survivors.

For those in a position to give, a one-time or monthly donation helps keep these programs free for families who need them most. Donations can be made directly here.

Sometimes the most powerful thing a community can do is simply know what’s out there — and pass it on.