Individual counselling support is available for child and youth victims 18 years old and younger who have experienced abuse. Our counsellors and therapists provide support in a variety of modalities, including art, expressive therapies, play-based interventions, trauma-informed cognitive behavioural therapy, and other therapeutic interventions. With young children, sessions often include their caregiver. Our counsellors and therapists offer individual or group support to parents or caregivers to strengthen family connection after trauma and may include family counselling as needed. Group counselling is offered based on availability and client need. Past groups have included Youth Trauma Group, Parenting through Trauma, and Safety Skills, for preschool and young children.
The Sexual Abuse Intervention Program is designed for children and youth 18 years and under where sexual abuse is suspected or confirmed, and/or for children under 12 with sexual behaviour problems. Located in downtown Victoria, SAIP therapeutic services are available by referral from any child, youth, family, or community service providers.
SAIP services are also available at the Pacific Centre Family Services Association (located in the West Shore) and Hulitan Family and Community Services Society, with services available for Indigenous children, youth, and families.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) supports a specialized program for eligible youth 12-18 to access individual counselling that includes family support to address sexual behaviour problems for non-adjudicated youth. All referrals for this program must go through MCFD’s Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH).
Through the Child Abuse Trauma Counselling program, VCAPCC provides support for Greater Victoria children, youth, and caregivers who have experienced other forms of child abuse including physical, emotional, neglect, or witnessing domestic violence.