New Brunswick Victim Services: What It Means for People Seeking Support After Abuse, Violence, or Crime

# Victim Services in New Brunswick: a calm guide for people seeking help If you are dealing with abuse, violence, stalking, sexual assault, threats, or another crime, a Victim Services page from the Government of New Brunswick can be an important starting point. It points people toward support connected to the justice system, and that can matter a lot when everything feels overwhelming. This guide explains what this resource means, who it may help, and what to do next if you need support right now. ## What happened The Government of New Brunswick maintains a **Victim Services** resource page for people affected by crime. While the page itself is not a news story, it is a public-facing service update that helps people find support related to the courts, justice process, and victim assistance. For survivors, this kind of resource matters because it can connect you to: - information about your rights and options - help understanding the justice process - emotional and practical support after a crime - referrals to other services ## Why this matters When someone has been harmed, the hardest part is often not just the event itself. It can be the confusion afterward: - What do I do now? - Who can help me? - Do I have to report? - What if I am not ready? - How do I stay safe? A victim services resource can reduce some of that uncertainty. It may help people feel less alone and more informed about the next steps available to them. For people experiencing domestic violence, this is especially important because abuse often creates fear, isolation, financial stress, and pressure to make decisions quickly. A calm, official support page can be a first step toward getting grounded and finding options. ## Who may be impacted This resource may be useful for: - survivors of domestic violence or intimate partner violence - people experiencing stalking, harassment, or threats - survivors of sexual assault - people harmed by other violent or non-violent crimes - family members, friends, or caregivers supporting a survivor - people who are unsure whether what happened “counts” as abuse or a crime You do **not** need to have everything figured out before reaching out. It is okay to ask for information first. ## What victim services may help with Depending on the situation and local availability, victim services may help with: - explaining the criminal justice process - helping you understand court dates and what to expect - safety planning and referrals - emotional support and crisis navigation - information about victim rights and protections - help completing forms or accessing compensation programs - referrals to shelters, counseling, legal aid, or community supports Important: victim services are **not the same thing as emergency response**. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services right away. ## Practical steps if you need help If you are in a stressful or unsafe situation, try to take only the next small step. You do not have to solve everything today. ### 1) Focus on immediate safety first If you are in danger right now: - call emergency services - go to a safer place if you can - avoid telling the abusive person your plans if that could increase risk - if possible, keep your phone charged and with you If calling is unsafe, consider texting a trusted person, going to a neighbor, store, library, or public place, or using a code word with someone you trust. ### 2) Reach out to victim services Use the New Brunswick Victim Services page to find the right contact or program. If you are not sure what to say, you can keep it simple: > “I need help after abuse/violence/crime and I want to know what supports are available.” You can also ask: - What services do you offer? - Do I have to make a police report to get help? - Can you help me understand court or safety options? - Can you refer me to shelter, counseling, or legal support? ### 3) Write down what you need If your mind feels foggy, a short note can help: - your name and a safe phone number - what kind of help you want - any urgent safety concerns - important dates, if you know them - whether it is safe to leave voicemail or send email ### 4) Save evidence only if it is safe to do so If you are dealing with stalking, threats, assault, or abuse, you may want to save: - texts, emails, voicemails, screenshots - photos of injuries or property damage - dates, times, and descriptions of incidents Only do this if it does not put you at greater risk. Your safety matters more than preserving evidence. ### 5) Ask about other supports Victim services may be one part of a larger support network. You may also need: - a shelter or transition house - counseling or trauma support - legal aid or family law advice - financial assistance - immigration or language support - help for children who witnessed violence ## What to expect when you contact support You may feel nervous, ashamed, angry, numb, or unsure. All of those reactions are common after trauma. A supportive worker should: - listen without blaming you - explain options clearly - respect your pace and choices - help you think through safety - avoid pressuring you to report or leave before you are ready If you do not feel respected, you are allowed to ask for another worker or another service. ## Safety reminders - If the abusive person monitors your phone, email, or location, use caution when searching for help. - Consider using a safer device or clearing your browser history if that is appropriate for your situation. - If you are planning to leave, think about timing, transportation, documents, medications, children, pets, and a backup place to go. - If you are not ready to leave, that does not mean you are failing. Staying safe can look different for everyone. ## Uncertainties and limits This resource page is helpful, but it may not answer every question. Public victim services pages can change, and details such as eligibility, hours, and exact supports may vary by region or program. Also, victim services are not a substitute for emergency help, medical care, or legal advice. If you need urgent protection or medical attention, seek those services directly. ## If you are supporting someone else If a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor is affected: - believe them - avoid pushing them to make decisions quickly - ask what feels safest right now - offer practical help, like a ride, childcare, or a place to sit and talk - respect their privacy You can say: > “I’m glad you told me. I’m here with you, and we can take this one step at a time.” ## Bottom line The New Brunswick Victim Services resource can help people affected by violence or crime find information, support, and next steps. For survivors of domestic violence and other abuse, it may be a useful doorway into safety planning, court support, and referrals — especially when everything feels confusing or too heavy to handle alone. If you want, start with one small action: open the page, write down one question, or contact a support service and ask what is available. You deserve help that is calm, respectful, and on your terms.