Abuse
- The basics
- Do it yourself
- FAQ
- Who can help
- Links
- Legislation/Court rules
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in a transition house?
Transition houses provide temporary housing in a protected, secure environment. These transition houses are usually for women and their children who are leaving abusive relationships. Stays at a transition house are no longer than 30 days. Generally, the addresses of transition houses aren't given out to the general public in order to protect the people who stay there.
What is the difference between a transition house and a safe home?
Safe homes serve the same purpose as transition houses, but the time you can stay there's shorter. Generally, safe homes are in communities where transition houses don't exist. A safe home could be a private home (or apartment) or hotel. Safe homes are only available for stays up to seven days.
How do I find a transition house?
The Ministry of Community Services website provides a list of transition houses throughout BC and how to contact them.
If there's no transition house in your community, you may find help through a safe home program. See the Ministry of Community Services website for a list of safe homes.
Where can I go after I leave a transition house?
Second-stage housing may be available for women who have left abusive relationships. On average, women and their children can usually stay in second-stage housing for 9 to 12 months.
Here is a list of second-stage housing (Ministry of Community Services).
After your stay at a transition house, you may also be given priority for affordable housing that's available in some communities in BC.
Can welfare force me to ask for support from my abusive spouse?
Tell your employment assistance worker or family maintenance worker if you're concerned about a violent spouse. The Ministry of Human Resources has a policy that it won't go after maintenance if you or your children are in danger of violence from your spouse. Also, talk to an advocate before you go to the interview. To find an advocate in your community, see the Map of Advocates on the PovNet website.
How do I protect my wife from her family's abuse?
You or your wife could contact police about getting a peace bond, based on incidents of abuse you've experienced. For more information, see the Legal Services Society publication For Your Protection: Peace Bonds and Restraining Orders.
Another resource is VictimLINK, which you can call at 1-800-563-0808 to find out about local victim service providers.
Still got a question?
If your legal information question isn't answered here or on our blog, the LawLINE journal, please send us an e-mail. Provide some background information for your question, including where you live in BC and the level of court involved (Provincial or Supreme), if applicable. Your question (without your name or identifying details) and its answer may be added to our FAQ pages.
If we can't answer your question, we may have to refer you elsewhere.
We can't guarantee that your question will be answered quickly. If you need a quick response, contact one of the resources listed in Who can help?
