Home » Violence & Abuse Prevention, Justice » Children and Youth » Believe-Ask-Connect

Publications

Free Canada-wide help numbers:

Kids Help Phone (24/7): 1 (800) 668-6868

Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): 1 (888) 893-8333

Hope and Wellness Helpline for First Nations and Inuit (24/7): 1 (855) 242-3310

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1 (800) 422-4453

Victims Information Line: 1 (800) 563-0808

Background

Believe – Ask – Connect is a collection of resources to help people help others who are experiencing violence. You may have a relative, neighbour or co-worker experiencing violence and you don’t know what to do or how to help. Here you will find posters with helpful words and suggestions, as well as video messages about violence and resilience. There is help and a brighter future.

Sharing your deepest secrets isn’t easy. The Believe-Ask-Connect campaign encourages children to speak up about child sexual abuse and for adults to support and listen to them. Click below, to start the conversation.

Believe them.

If someone tells you about experiencing family violence, you should believe them. It is not up to you to investigate or question when someone shares they are being hurt. Your reaction may also help the person to open up about the violence they are experiencing to others including social workers, police, nurses, and other support workers. Be a good friend and believe them.

You can say:
“Thank you for sharing this with me.”
“It can be difficult to talk about these things.”
“I’m glad you felt comfortable to tell me about this.”

Ask them what they want to do.

If a child tells you about violence, they cannot decide what to do for themselves. It is your responsibility to tell the police. If an adult is being hurt, they should be given control of the situation.  They should decide what they would like to do next, and when. It is not up to you to tell someone how to feel or how to act. As a friend, you should ask them what they would like to do next, and tell them that you want to help.

You can say:
“What would you like to do now?”
“Whatever you decide to do, I support you.”
(To a child) “I’m going to call someone I trust, so we can find help together.”

Connect them to supports.

When someone decides that they need help, you can be the friend that helps them connect to services. They may not be in a safe position to find resources, so you can offer to look for help. Social workers are there to help you navigate services, and can help someone to pick out and strategize what works best for them. Elders are also a source of support and guidance. There are many phone numbers and websites that can help someone to find support.

You can say:
“I’m here for you, and we can find help together.”
“If you want, I can call this number with you.”
“Do you want to go to find help together?”

For help and support in your region

Nunavut

Police Phone Numbers (RCMP “V” Division)
Arctic Bay: (867) 439-0123
Arviat: (867) 857-0123
Baker Lake: (867) 793-0123
Cambridge Bay: (867) 983-0123
Cape Dorset: (867) 897-0123
Chesterfield Inlet: (867) 898-0123
Clyde River: (867) 924-0123
Coral Harbour: (867) 925-0123
Gjoa Haven: (867) 360-0123
Grise Fiord: (867) 980-0123
Hall Beach: (867) 928-0123
Igloolik: (867) 934-0123
Iqaluit: (867) 979-0123
Kimmirut: (867) 939-0123
Kugluktuk: (867) 982-0123
Kugaaruk: (867) 769-0123
Naujaat: (867) 462-0123
Pangnirtung: (867) 473-0123
Pond Inlet: (867) 899-0123
Qikiqtarjuaq: (867) 927-0123
Rankin Inlet: (867) 645-0123
Resolute Bay: (867) 252-0123
Sanikiluaq: (867) 266-0123
Taloyoak: (867)561-0123
Whale Cove: (867) 896-0123
Community Children and Family Services
Arctic Bay: (867)- 439-8812
Arviat: (867) 857-3102; Emergency: (867) 857-6786
Baker Lake: (867) 793-2839; Emergency: (867) 793-1348
Cambridge Bay: (867) 983-4071; Emergency: (867) 983-5199
Cape Dorset: (867) 897-8937
Chesterfield Inlet: (867) 898-9131
Clyde River: (867) 924-6014
Coral Harbour: (867) 925-8431
Gjoa Haven: (867) 360-6406
Grise Fiord: (867) 980-4020
Hall Beach: (867) 928-8938
Igloolik: (867) 934-2120
Iqaluit: (867) 975-5777; Emergency: (867) 979-5650
Kimmirut: (867) 939-2226
Kugaaruk: (867) 769-7999
Kugluktuk: (867) 982-7411 or (867) 982-3465; Emergency: (867) 982-2998
Naujaat: (867) 462-4020
Pangnirtung: (867) 473-8944
Pond Inlet: (867) 899-7502
Qikiqtarjuaq: (867) 927-8863
Rankin Inlet: (867) 645-5064; (867) 645-7608
Resolute Bay: (867) 252-3865
Sanikiluaq: (867) 266-8738
Taloyoak: (867) 561-5625
Whale Cove: (867) 896-9062; Emergency: (867) 896-1111
Legal Aid Services, Legal Clinics and Legal Information Sources

Cambridge Bay: Kitikmeot Law Centre (867) 983-2906
Rankin Inlet: Keewatin Legal Services Centre Society (867) 645-2536
Iqaluit: Maliiganik Tukisiiniakvik Legal Services (867) 975-6395
Gjoa Haven: (867) 360-4603; Toll-Free: (866) 606-9400

Family Abuse Intervention Workers
Arctic Bay: (867) 439-8183
Arviat:  (867)857-2959
Baker Lake: (867) 793-2045
Cambridge Bay: (867) 983-4017
Cape Dorset: (867) 897-3686
Chesterfield Inlet: (867) 898-9045
Clyde River: (867) 924-6565
Coral Harbour: (867) 925-8222
Gjoa Haven: (867) 360-6826
Grise Fiord: (867) 980-4099
Hall Beach: (867) 928-8054
Igloolik:  (867)934-8830
Iqaluit: (867) 975-6362
Kimmirut: (867) 939-2001
Kugaaruk: (867)769-6281
Kugluktuk: (867) 982-6510
Naujaat: (867)462-4007
Pangnirtung: (867) 473-8018
Pond Inlet: (867) 899-8064
Qikiqtarjuaq: (867) 927-8089
Rankin Inlet: (867) 645-2039
Resolute Bay: (867) 252-3005
Sanikiluaq: (867)266-7905
Taloyoak: (867) 561-6864
Whale Cove: (867) 896-9961
Shelter
Iqaluit: Qimaavik Women’s Shelter (867) 979-4500
Iqaluit: YWCA Sivummut House (867) 979-2700
Rankin Inlet: Kataujaq Society Safe Shelter (867) 645-2214
Cambridge Bay: St. Michael’s Crisis Shelter (867) 983-2133
Kugluktuk: Women’s Crisis Centre (867) 982-3210
Kugaaruk: Tammaaqvik Women’s Shelter (867) 769-6100
Government of Nunavut
Department of Justice, Community Justice (867) 975-6363
Department of Family Services, Children and Family Services Division: (867) 975-5234
Other

Rankin Inlet: Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre (867) 645-2600

Crisis and Support
Nunavut Kamatsiaqtut Help Line (24/7): 1-800-265-3333 / (Inuktitut available 7pm – midnight): (867) 979-3333

Nunatsiavut

Police Phone Numbers (RCMP “V” Division)
Hopedale (709) 933-3820
Makkovik (709) 923-2405
Nain (709) 922-2862
Rigolet (709) 947-3400
Postville (source in Makkovik) 1 (800) 709-7267
Shelter
Nain: Nain Safe House: 1 (866) 922-1230; Emergency: (709) 922-1229
Rigolet: Kirkina House (709) 947-3333
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Justice and Public Safety, Victim Services
Nain: (709) 922-2360

Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
Nain: (709) 922-1251
Hopedale: (709) 933-3887
Makkovik, Postville and Rigolet: (709) 923-2187

Nunatsiavut Government
Makkovik: (709) 923-2240
Rigolet: (709) 947-3328
Crisis and Support
Mental Health Crisis Centre (24/7): 1 (888) 737-4668
Newfoundland Sexual Assault Crisis Centre (24/7):1 (800) 726-2743 or (709) 726-1411

Nunavik

Kativik Regional Police Force Phone Numbers
Akuluvik: 819-496-9111
Aupaluk: 819-491-9111
Inukjuak: 819-254-9111
Ivujivik: 819-922-9111
Kangiqsualujjuaq: 819-337-9111
Kangiqsujuaq: 819-338-9111
Kangirsuk: 819-935-9111
Kuujjuaq: 819-964-9111
Kuujjuaraapik: 819-929-9111
Puvirnituq: 819-988-9111
Quaqtaq: 819-492-9111
Salluit: 819-255-9111
Tasiujaq: 819-633-9111
Umiujaq: 819-331-9111
Shelter
Kuujjuaq: Tungasuvik Women’s Shelter (819) 964-0536
Salluit: Initsiaq Inuit Women’s Shelter (819) 255-8817
Inukjuak: Ajapirvik Shelter (819) 254-1414
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services
Nunavik Regional Board of Health and Social Services: (819) 964-2222; TF: 1 (844) 964-2244
Government of Quebec
Ministry of Justice, Crime Victims Assistance Centre (CAVAC) Sapumijiit Crisis Line
Kuujjuaq: 1 (866) 778-0770
Inukjuak: 1 (888) 254-8170
Salluit: 1 (888) 255-8328
Kuujjuarapik: 1 (888) 929-3742
Puvirnituq: 1 (888) 988-2867

Ministry of Health and Social Services, Inuulitsivik Health Center
Kujjjuaq: Ungava Coast ( 819) 964-2905 ext. 331 or ext. 365
Puvirnituq: Hudson Coast 1 (877) 535-2345

Youth Protection
Kuujjuaq: (819) 964-2902 ext. 0
Kangiqsujuaq: (819) 338-1138
Quaqtaq: (819) 492-9037
Kangirsuk: (819) 935-4817
Aupaluk: (819) 491-7023
Tasiujaq: (819) 633-5450
Kangiqsualujjuaq: (819) 337-5335
Puvirnituq: 1 (877) 535-2345
Kuujjuaraapik: (819) 929-3859
Umiujaq: (819) 331-7643
Inukjuak: (819) 254-8196
Akulivik: (819) 496-2730
Ivujivik: (819) 922-3393
Salluit (819) 255-8135

Domestic Violence Website: www.domesticviolence.gouv.qc.ca

Crisis and Support
Quebec National Crisis Line (24/7) 1 (866) 277-3553
SOS Violence Conjugale 1 (800) 363-9010

Inuvialuit

Police Phone Numbers (RCMP "G" Division)
Aklavik: (867) 978-1111
Inuvik: (867) 777-1111
Paulatuk: (867) 580-1111
Sachs Harbour: (867) 690-1111
Tuktoyaktuk: (867) 977-1111
Ulukhaktok: (867) 396-1111
Shelter
Inuvik: Inuvik Transition House (867) 777-3877
Tuktoyaktuk: Aimayunga Women and Emergency Foster Care Shelter (867) 977-2000
Government of Northwest Territories
Department of Social Services
Aklavik: (867) 978-2613
Inuvik: (867) 777-8101
Paulatuk: (867) 580-3800
Sachs Harbour: (867) 777-8185
Tuktoyaktuk: (867) 977-2140
Ulukhatok: (867) 396-3907

Department of Justice, Community Services
Inuvik Victim Services (Crisis Line): (867) 777-5493
Beaufort Delta: Victim Services Outreach (867) 777-5480

Inuvialuit Regional Corporation
Health and Wellness
Inuvik: (867) 777-7088
Tuktoyaktuk: Wellness Office 867-977-2076
Crisis and Support
NWT Help Line (24/7): 1 (800) 661-0844

Urban Centres

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

RCMP
(867) 669-5100; Emergency: (867) 669-1111
Shelter
Alison McAteer House c/o YWCA (867) 669-0235
Centre for Northern Families (867) 873-2566
Government of Northwest Territories
Department of Health and Social Services
Child and Family Services: (867) 767-9061

Department of Justice, Community Justice
Victim Services (867) 920-2978 or (867) 669-1490; or (867) 873-5509

Yellowknife Health and Social Services
Health and Social Services Authority: (867) 873-7276

Social Services: (867) 767-9122

Crisis and Support
NWT Helpline (24/7):  1 (800) 661-0844

Edmonton, Alberta

RCMP "K" Division
(780) 412-5309
Shelter
Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters: 1 (866)-331-3933

Edmonton Women’s Shelter Limited (24/7): (780) 479-0058

Lurana Shelter Society: (780) 424-5875

Government of Alberta
Ministry of Community and Social Services
Edmonton Region Child and Family Services – Central Office: (780) 415-6916

Ministry of Justice and Solicitor General
Legal Aid Alberta 1 (866) 845-3425
Emergency Protection Order Program (780) 422-9222

Crisis and Support
Distress Line: (780) 482-4357

Family Violence Information Line (24/7) (no area code needed): 310-1818
Child Abuse Hotline: 1 (800) 387-5437
Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): 1-877-303-2642
Edmonton Women’s Shelter Crisis Line (24/7): 780-479-0058
Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton Crisis Line (24/7): 780-423-4121

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Police
Winnipeg Police Service: (204) 986-6222
Shelter
Manitoba Association of Women’s Shelters: 1-877-977-0007
Government of Manitoba
Children and Family Services: 1-866-345-9241; Emergency: 204-944-4050
Crisis and Support
Klinic Crisis Line 1 (888) 322-3019

Teen Touch 1 (800) 563-8336
Manitoba Suicide Line 1 (877) 435-7170
Winnipeg Mobile Crisis Service (204) 940-1781
Manitoba Women’s Shelter Crisis Line 1 (877) 997-0007

Sexual Assault Crisis Line 1 (888) 292-7565

Domestic Violence Support Services (204) 726-6515

Montreal, Quebec

Police
Montreal Police Service (514) 280-2222
Shelter
Chez Doris (514) 937-2341
Crisis and Support
Quebec National Crisis Line (24/7): 1 (866) 277-3553

Montreal Sexual Assault Centre – Crisis Telephone 24/7: (514) 934-4504; Toll-Free: 1 (888) 933-9007
Crisis Line (Montreal North) Association Iris: (514) 388-9233
Crisis Line (Montreal East) Entremise: (514) 351-9592
Crisis Line (Montreal Centre/East) Le Transit: (514) 282-7753
Crisis Line (Montreal West Island) West Island Crisis Centre: (514) 684-6160

Center for Intervention and Research in Conjugal and Family Violence Program (514) 270-8462

Ottawa, Ontario

Police
Ottawa Police Services (non-emergency): 613-236-1222
Government of Ontario
Ministry of Children and Youth Services 1 (866) 821-7770
Crisis and Support
Distress Line (24/7): 613-238-3311
Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): 1-866-531-2600
Youth Services Bureau Crisis Line (24/7): 1-877-377-7775
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (24/7): 1-866-996-0991
Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre (24/7): 613-562-2333
Women’s Crisis Line: 613-745-4818
Ontario Assaulted Women’s Hotline: 1 (866) 863-0511

Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line: (613) 722-6914; 1 (866) 996-0991

The Men’s Project: (613) 230-6179

Toronto, Ontario

Police
Toronto Police Service (non-emergency): 416-808-2222
Crisis and Support
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre: (416) 597-8808

Assaulted Women’s Helpline: 1 (866) 863-0511

Victim Services Toronto (416) 808-7066

YWCA Toronto: (416) 487-7141 ext. 266

Native Child and Family Services of Toronto: (416) 969-8510; After Hours Service (416) 924-4646

St John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador

RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador "B" Division
(709) 772-5400; 1 (877)-709-7267
Shelter
Iris Kirby House: 1-877-753-1492
Crisis and Support
Mental Health Crisis Line (24/7): 1 (888) 737-4668
Sexual Assault Crisis Line: 1 (800) 726-2743
Parents Help Line: 1 (888) 603-910
Family Violence Program (709) 777-5074

Newfound and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and prevention Centre Inc.: (709) 747-7757

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Justice and Public Safety
Victim Services: (709) 729-7970
Family and Child Legal Aid Services: (709) 753-0722
Legal Aid Mental Health Office: (709) 726-8966

Happy Valley-Goose Bay

RCMP
(709) 896-3383
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Justice and Public Safety
Victim Services: (709) 896-2230
Family and Child Legal Aid Services: (709) 896-4136
Shelter
Libra House (Happy Valley-Goose Bay): (709) 896-8022;

Emergency: (709) 896-3014