a guide to supporting children exposed to domestic violence

• Make sure that any protection orders are registered with the Protection Order
Registry.
• Keep the local police informed if your partner is physically abusive or has
threatened abuse.
Finding and using an advocate
An advocate is a person who sticks up for you, believes you, supports you, and
helps you get what you need from all the professionals and agencies you deal
with.
An advocate will come with you to meetings with lawyers, counsellors, social
workers, child protection workers, medical professionals and school staff. If you
go to court, your advocate should be with you. Ideally an advocate has some
knowledge about how these various systems work.
Sometimes a relative or friend is able to be an advocate. Or someone you work
with, or have met at your church or place of worship may be an advocate.
In these times of cutbacks, it can be hard to find an advocate in the community.
Women’s centres, transition houses, battered women’s support services, and victim
assistance programs may be helpful. Here are some ideas about where to look for
an advocate:
FINDING AN ADVOCATE IN THE LOWER MAINLAND
• Battered Women’s Support Services provides information, support, advocacy,
counselling, referrals and support groups. The Legal Advocacy Program provides
information, support, and a support person in court.
Telephone: 604-687-1867
• The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre provides information, counselling,
support, crisis intervention and legal and mental health advocacy to women
who live in the area.
Telephone: 604-681-8480
• Vancouver Status of Women makes resource and referral information available.
Telephone: 604-255-3998.
• The Vancouver Aboriginal Child and Family Services Society offers advocacy and
culturally sensitive family support services.
Telephone: 604-872-6723.
HELPING MY CHILD A GUIDE TO SUPPORTING CHILDREN EXPOSED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 58